§ 14. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he proposes to take in view of the rejection by the United Nations Assembly of proposals in connection with former Italian colonies in North and East Africa.
§ Mr. MayhewThere is still nothing to add to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Maldon (Mr. Driberg) on 23rd May, which applies equally to all the former Italian colonies.
§ Mr. FreemanCan my hon. Friend say whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to maintain their policy as stated on 4th October, 1944, that these Italian colonies should not be returned to Italy?
§ Mr. MayhewI am afraid that I cannot make any statement at the present time.
§ Mr. David RentonCan the hon. Gentleman say whether there is any likelihood that the United Nations Assembly will ever agree with a sufficient majority to any proposals put forward with regard to the future of the Italian colonies?
§ Mr. MayhewI should hesitate to forecast the attitude of the United Nations Assembly towards this problem in the future.
Mr. Ivor ThomasWhen considering their policy in regard to this matter, will the Government bear in mind a Western Union trusteeship?
§ Mr. MayhewYes, Sir. We have all those ideas under consideration at the present time.