§ 99. Mr. Platts-Millsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what modifications he is proposing to submit to the co-signatories of the Peace Treaty as to the return of the Italian ex-Colonies; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MayhewArticle 23 of the Peace Treaty with Italy provides that the final disposal of the former Italian Colonies shall be determined jointly by the Governments of the Soviet Union, United Kingdom, United States and France within one year of the coming into force of the Treaty, that is, by the 15th September, 1948, in the manner laid down in Annex XI to the Treaty. His Majesty's Government are not at the present time in a position to make any statement regarding the final disposal of these territories since they are still awaiting the reports of the Commission of Investigation despatched last November in accordance with the procedure laid down in Annex XI.