HC Deb 19 May 1952 vol 501 cc17-8
19. Sir D. Savory

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what reply has been sent to the protest of Marshal Tito against the arrangement made between Her Majesty's Government and that of the United States of America and the Government of Italy regarding the administration in Zone A of the free territory of Trieste.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

No reply has yet been sent. Her Majesty's Government are consulting the United States Govern- ment, with whom they are jointly responsible under the Italian Treaty of Peace for the administration of Zone A, as to the terms of the reply.

Sir D. Savory

When the right hon. and learned Gentleman sends his reply will he call the attention of Marshal Tito to the fact that, whereas he has absolute control over Zone B, we are allowing the Italians to have only a more modified control over Zone A? Is it not also relevant to point out to Marshal Tito that we are entitled to ask him what protection he is giving to the rights and privileges of the Italian population in Zone B?

Mr. Lloyd

I can assure my hon. Friend that while the reply is being prepared all relevant considerations will be borne in mind.

Mr. Ernest Davies

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman agree that whereas, according to the peace treaty, Yugoslavia is in occupation of Zone B, in the case of Zone A the Italians are not parties to the occupation? Is not one of the reasons for the protest that the Italian Government itself has been brought in? Although no one objects to the Italians in Trieste participating in the administration, is not trouble caused by the association of the Italian Government with the administration?

Mr. Lloyd

It is very difficult to debate the matter by question and answer. The Yugoslav Note will be carefully considered and a reply will be made in due course, and a more appropriate occasion on which to debate the matter will be when the reply has been sent.