HC Deb 06 July 1949 vol 466 cc2124-5
5. Mr. Fitzroy Maclean

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make urgent representations to the Italian Government to secure the exemption from death duties of the property in Italy of the late A. A. Waterfield, who was killed by enemy action in Malta in 1942.

Mr. Bevin

It is my intention to make representations to the Italian Government in this case, with which I have much sympathy.

Mr. Maclean

Can the right hon. Gentleman say on what grounds the Italian Government have refused to treat this case in the same way as they would treat the case of an Italian officer killed in action?

Mr. Bevin

I would prefer not to answer that at the moment. I do not really know the actual grounds, and I will have to take up this case not only on legal grounds but on moral grounds as well.