HC Deb 11 April 1938 vol 334 cc768-9W
Mr. Mander

asked the Prime Minister whether he will state the present position with regard to the maintenance of the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law at Rome and the International Educational Cinematographic Institute?

Mr. Butler

The Italian Government informed the Secretary-General of the League on 27th December, 1937, of its decision to denounce, with effect from 20th April, 1940, the undertaking given in its note of 31st March, 1926, regarding the foundation and maintenance of the International Institution for the Unification of Private Law at Rome.

As regards the International Educational Cinematographic Institute, the Italian Government informed the Secretary-General of the League, on 27th December, 1937, that the statute of the Institute founded at Rome under the terms set out in the agreement of 27th January, 1928, includes provisions which made it clear that Italian membership of the League is a necessary condition of their fulfilment. In view of the withdrawal of Italy from the League the Italian Government accordingly concludes that the undertaking specified in this agreement has ceased to apply. Prior to the receipt of this communication, the president of the institute had informed the Secretary-General that the director and almost the whole staff of the institute had resigned and that he intended to take steps to close down the institute.

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