§ Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for War why the Socialist and Communist leaders in Italy have been arrested; whether it is intended to put them on trial; and for what charge.
§ Mr. Cocksasked the Secretary of State for War whether he can make a statement on the arrest of Signor Nenni, the Italian Socialist leader.
§ Sir J. GriggIn areas under the control of Allied Military Government that Government is responsible for the preservation of order, and there has been a long standing and well known provision that political meetings require its prior consent. Before Signor Nenni and other political leaders left Rome for Northern Italy they were all informed of the stipulation made by the Allied Commission and agreed to by the Italian Government that they would not be permitted to take part in any political demonstration or make speeches. In spite of this he made a speech at a meeting in Vercelli on 24th May. He was specifically reminded of the position before he made the speech. When he had finished he was taken to Turin and charged with the violation of the proclamation in question issued by Allied Military Government. He agreed that he would not make anymore public appearances without prior consent and he was then released. No other such arrests have been made.
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§ Mr. I. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for War in what circumstances the Allied military authorities in Italy came to arrest the Socialist leader Pietro Nenni.
§ Sir J. GriggI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave the hon. Members for West Leyton (Mr. Sorensen) and Broxtowe (Mr. Cocks) to-day.