§ Colonel Wedgwoodasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the present state of 425W our relations with Italy, he has any statement to make?
§ Mr. ButlerYes, Sir. I welcome the opportunity of saying something on the subject of the discussions on which His Majesty's Government are now engaged with the Italian Government in regard to contraband control. As has already been indicated in the Press, the Master of the Rolls arrived in Rome on 22nd May with authority to discuss this question with the Italian Government. The Master of the Rolls has now returned to London, bringing with him proposals by the Italian authorities which are regarded as affording a satisfactory basis for agreement. British and Italian representatives are now working out details in Rome, and the right hon. and gallant Gentleman will appreciate that while these discussions are proceeding I cannot make any further statement.