HC Deb 16 February 1953 vol 511 c879
34. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations have been made to the Italian Government, in view of the loading at Abadan of the Italian tanker "Miriella" with nearly 5,000 tons of refined oil.

Mr. Eden

As was stated in the reply given by my hon. Friend the Joint UnderSecretary to my hon. Friend the Member for Kidderminster (Mr. Nabarro) on 17th December, the Italian Government, among others, have been informed of the attitude of Her Majesty's Government to transactions in oil from Persia. I can assure the right hon. and learned Gentleman that the attention of the Italian Government has again been drawn to our views on this matter in connection with the "Miriella." Meanwhile the cargo of this ship has, I am informed, been unloaded into bonded tanks, and will remain there pending a decision by the Venice Court on the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company's request for sequestration.

Sir H. Williams

Why did the Navy not arrest this ship, in the same way as they arrested the "Rose Mary"?

Mr. Eden

I do not think that the Royal Navy arrested the "Rose Mary." I do not think that is actually what happened.

Sir H. Williams

How was it that it put into a British port?

Mr. Eden

By a very convenient succession of arrangements.