§ Mr. Hastingsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of recent demonstrations in support of Fascism by Italians in Eritrea, and also 258W acts of violence practised by the Italians against the native population; and if he can assure the House that military administration of the territory supplies no arms to Italian volunteers.
§ Mr. ShinwellI have been asked to reply. I am not aware of any recent Fascist demonstrations by Italians in Eritrea. Nor have I any knowledge of acts of violence perpetrated by the Italians against the native population. A number of outrages have been committed by Coptic Shifta bands during the past few months against Italians and their property. The British Military Administration has lent firearms to Italian farmers in outlying settlements as a protection against these attacks.