HC Deb 03 February 1954 vol 523 c37W
71. Mr. Peter Freeman

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a report on the recent good will mission of Admiral Lord Mountbatten to Ethiopia.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

It is customary for a commander-in-chief, Mediterranean, after assuming command, to pay courtesy calls on the heads of maritime States within his command. After the federation of Eritrea with Ethiopia it became appropriate for Lord Mountbatten to pay such a call on His Imperial Majesty the Emperor. He accordingly visited Ethiopia from 6th November to 11th November, 1953, calling at Massawa with Her Majesty's ships "Glasgow" and "Surprise," and flying to Addis Ababa, at the Emperor's invitation, to pay his respects. He was given a warm welcome, and by all accounts the visit was very successful.