HC Deb 01 April 1953 vol 513 cc1196-7
23. Mr. Mott-Radclyffe

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement about the disorders in Rome on 25th March as a result of which the British Council Library was burned and the British European Airways Corporation's booking office damaged.

Mr. Nutting

Yes, Sir. I am informed that a party of students entered the Library of the British Embassy Information Office and, after destroying newspapers and scattering petrol, set fire to the room. The Library is situated on British Council premises. Little damage was caused, thanks to the courageous behaviour of the staff on duty, who were molested but not seriously hurt, and to the prompt arrival of the fire brigade. A smaller attack was made immediately afterwards on the offices of British European Airways, apparently by the same gang. One student was arrested in the Library, and 14 further arrests have been made since.

Her Majesty's Embassy received a spontaneous expression of regret from the Italian Government and have been assured that the arrested students will in due course be tried. More effective protection for British Council and British European Airways premises has been promised. Her Majesty's Government deplore this act of irresponsible vandalism and have reserved the right to claim compensation for the damage caused, and demanded that those responsible shall be punished.

Mr. Mott-Radclyffe

Could my hon. Friend say whether the Italian Government have admitted liability for subsequent compensation?

Mr. Nutting

No, Sir. I do not think that any question of admission of liability can arise until an inquiry has taken place into whether there was negligence on the part of the Italian authorities concerned.