asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why the name of Ethiopia was omitted from the list of United Nations to whom the Prime Minister's message was addressed; whether the omission was due to the Government of Ethiopia not having yet signed the Pact; if so, what steps have been taken to bring the Pact to the notice of the Government at Addis Abbaba; and how soon the appointment of a diplomatic representative of that Government in London may be expected?

Ethiopia was not included among the United Nations because the Government of Ethiopia is not a party to the Declaration of the United Nations. The Emperor is naturally aware of the terms of that Declaration. I have not been informed when the Emperor proposes to appoint a representative in London.

In view of the difficulties of communications between Ethiopia and this country, cannot something be expedited so that as soon as possible Ethiopia may be in a position to join the other Allies in conference, in view of the effective resistance to the Axis which she gave during the combat in that country?

I can assure my hon. Friend that there is no difficulty about communications. The Emperor is fully aware of the position, and I think we must, at least, leave it to him to take his own decision.