§ LORD GLYNasked Her Majesty's Government whether a statement can be made regarding the reported attacks on Somali tribesmen by Ethiopian forces, and the murder of women and children in areas which have in the past been part of British Somaliland Protectorate; and what steps have been taken to prevent any repetition of these incidents.
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THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (THE MARQUESS OF READING)The noble Lord is no doubt referring to recent reports in the Press than an incident between Ethiopian forces and the Esa tribe took place in February of this year and resulted in heavy loss of life among the tribesmen. According to statements made by members of the tribe to the Government of the Somaliland Protectorate the fighting took place inside Ethiopia in an area lying between 80 and 200 miles from Addis Ababa. This area has at no time been part of the Somaliland Protectorate. A despatch from the Governor of the Protectorate has been received, and investigations are proceeding.