§ 32. Mr. Warbeyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what recent reports he has received from the British Ambassadors in Rome and Vienna on the discussions between the Italian and Austrian Governments concerning the execution of the Paris Agreement relating to autonomy for South Tyrol annexed to the Italian Peace Treaty.
§ Mr. R. AllanI understand that discussions are going on but I am not in a position to say what progress has been made.
§ Mr. WarbeyIs the hon. Member aware that those discussions have been going on for more than a year without any result being reached and that the Austrian Chancellor has recently found it necessary to protest publicly against the violations of the Paris Agreement by the Italian Government? Is not it time that the British Government, which was a signatory of the Paris Treaty, took some steps to assist the German-speaking minority in the South Tyrol to achieve their rights?
§ Mr. AllanThis is a question for direct negotiation between the two Governments. These negotiations are going on and have been going on for a year. We 360 have not been asked to intervene. We are not a party to the Agreement as such. I therefore think that intervention is not called for.