§ Colonel Ponsonbyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will consider, in connection with the future of Italian Somaliland, the return of Jubaland to Kenya from whom it was ceded to Italy in 1927, without the consent of the local inhabitants.
§ Mr. MayhewThe question of the final disposal of the former Italian Colonies is governed by Article 23 and Annex XI of the Peace Treaty with Italy, and can only be decided jointly by the four Powers represented on the Council of Foreign Ministers or, failing that, by the General Assembly of the United Nations. His Majesty's Government do not propose at the present stage to ask for the return to Kenya of Jubaland, which was ceded to Italy under the Treaty signed in London on 15th July, 1924. Should the inhabitants of Jubaland wish to do so, it is open to them, as stated on 20th May by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War in his reply to my hon.248W Friend the Member for Swindon (Mr. I. Reid), to voice their views on their future nationality through their District and Zone Council. So far as I am aware, no such views have been expressed. In the event of a commission of investigation being sent to Somalia under Annex XI of the Peace Treaty, the inhabitants will presumably be afforded an opportunity of stating to that commission their wishes with regard to their future.