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Italy (Former Possessions)

Volume 411: debated on Wednesday 30 May 1945

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5.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement as to the future of the former Italian possessions in Africa, and of the islands in the Mediterranean occupied by Italy; and if he can give an assurance that Italy will not be allowed again to occupy any such possessions from which she could threaten or interfere with British communications through the Mediterranean and the Red Sea.

These are matters to be settled by agreement between the United Nations and I regret I can make no statement at present.

Can my right hon. Friend give an assurance that Italy is not to be treated as a collaborator or a co-operator, but as a defeated enemy?

I do not think I can add to the many statements that have been made on the subject in the past. It has been made clear to the Italian Government that they have no right to the return of any of these Colonies. It is a matter for inter-Allied agreement.

Would not the policy advocated by the hon. and gallant Gentleman be cutting off our nose to spite our face?