§ Mr. Harveyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Ethiopian Government has been in communication with His Majesty's Government with regard to the abolition of the status of slavery and the gabar system in Ethiopia; whether steps have been taken to communicate the knowledge of this to the slaves and gabars, as well as to the people of Ethiopia; and whether the decree of the Italian Government abolishing the status of slavery and forced labour in Ethiopia is still legally in force in Ethiopia?
§ Mr. LawMy right hon. Friend has received no communication from the Emperor on this question, but I think the Emperor's intention to abolish slavery is well known and His Majesty's Government have no doubt of his determination to carry out this policy.
§ Mr. Harveyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the courts in Ethiopia, which will deal with slavery offences and with cases concerned with the liberation of slaves, are comprised among the courts which are to contain judges of British nationality?
§ Mr. LawMy right hon. Friend has received no report on this subject and I should doubt whether matters have advanced to a stage where this point can be decided. As regards the general position, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave him to-day.
§ Mr. Harveyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will give particulars of the appointments of British subjects, under Article II of the Anglo-Ethiopian Agreement, as advisers to the Emperor of Ethiopia and his administration, as commissioners of police, police officers and inspectors, and as judges or magistrates?
§ Mr. LawThe Emperor has appointed, or will shortly appoint, British subjects as advisers to his Ministries of Finance, Justice, Interior, Commerce, Communications, Posts and Telegraphs, and Education; two as judges and two others as advisers on municipal and medical services respectively. I have as yet received no detailed information regarding appointments of police officials by His Majesty.