§ 37. Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the reasons for Her Majesty's Government's continuing refusal to recognise the Government and State of Albania; and if he will now reconsider the position, with a view to establishing normal relations.
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreHer Majesty's Government recognise the Government and State of Albania but have no diplomatic relations with that country. We are not at present contemplating any steps to establish diplomatic relations.
§ Mr. MacMillanDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that, as a matter of enlightened self-interest, it would be desirable to take the initiative in trying to enlist the friendship of the Albanians by trade and otherwise? Will the right hon. Gentleman reply to the first part of the Question which asks why we are not doing so?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreThe reasons why we do not do so are, first, because Albania has not yet paid any compensation as was requested of them by the International Court; and secondly, because they refused to state that they would give appropriate facilities to the British representative and his staff. So long as that position is maintained, we see no object in sending a British representative. I may add that I believe the total amount of trade with Albania is something like £13.000 a year, and therefore no great British interest is involved.
§ Mr. MacMillanIn view of the utterly unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I give notice that I shall endeavour to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment in the interest of our own country