HC Deb 01 November 1948 vol 457 cc493-4
12. Mr. Keeling

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will ascertain when the report of the United Nations Commission of Investigation about the future of the Italian colonies in Africa will be published.

Mr. Mayhew

The reports of the Foul Power Commission were made to the Deputies of the Council of Foreign Ministers, and His Majesty's Government are still not entitled to publish them without the agreement of the other three Powers concerned. Copies of these Reports were forwarded, under cover of the Four Powers' notification of their failure to agree on the disposal of the territories in question, to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, with whom the question of their publication now rests. The reports have now been circulated to all delegations at the General Assembly of the United Nations and I am arranging for a copy of each to be placed in the Library of the House.

Mr. Keeling

As the placing of a copy in the Library is not really an adequate substitute for publication in the Press, and as most of the reports have appeared in the Italian Press, would the hon. Gentleman endeavour to get permission for the report to be published in this country?

Mr. Mayhew

Yes. Sir. This is a matter for the United Nations, but I will certainly look into it.