asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is in a position to make a statement respecting the expulsion from Abyssinia of the British-Indian firm of Mohammed Ali?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any inquiries are being made by His Majesty's Government as to why the Abyssinian branches of the firm of Mohammed Ali have been closed down by order of the Italian Government; and what reasons have been given for this action?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the compulsory closing down of the firm of Mohammed Ali in Abyssinia on the alleged ground that this firm had been employed by the British secret service; and whether he can make any statement on this matter?

On a point of Order. Before these questions are answered, may I ask, through you, Mr. Speaker, whether there is any special reason why the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs is not in his place, in view of the fact that there are 28 questions on the Order Paper addressed to his Department?

That, of course, is not a question for me to answer.

May I say whether the right hon. Gentleman the Home Secretary, as Deputy-Leader of the House, will reply to the question of my hon. Friend?

I should explain that my right hon. Friend has a very important engagement in the North of England. Otherwise, he would certainly be here.

On 6th March Messrs Mohammed Ali were ordered by the Italian authorities in Addis Ababa to close their premises and cease from all form of commercial activity. A similar order, coupled with an intimation that the firm were being expelled and that their employés must leave the country, was given a week or so later to the branches at Harrar, Diredawa, Jijiga and Jimma. Representations have been made by the Acting British Consul-General at Addis Ababa and, on instructions by His Majesty's Ambassador at Rome, with a view to ascertaining the reason for the action of the Italian authorities and to securing an extension of the period within which the firm had been summoned to leave Abyssinia. The firm, who during the past year have been suffering severely from the effect of the Italian exchange restrictions in Abyssinia, had for some time been contemplating entering into partnership with Italian interests. The representations as to the time limit have already, I am glad to say, resulted in an extension being granted; but this extension cannot be regarded as adequate, and His Majesty's Government are making further representations to ensure that the firm are in fact given a reasonable time in which to arrange their affairs. The result of these representations is awaited. I can state at once that there is no foundation whatever for any suggestion that the firm, or any members of it, have been employed for intelligence purposes by His Majesty's Government.

In view of the revelations contained in the book written by General De Bono, did not His Majesty's Government anticipate such action as the one embodied in this question, and have the Government any statement to make either accepting the statements of General De Bono as a fact or denying them?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that question down.

Is it not time, in view of the revelations now appearing in cold print in Italy, that His Majesty's Government ceased its policy of vaccilation and running away from Mussolini?

And have a war?

The right hon. Gentleman misunderstands me. I am quite ready to answer the question asked, but it does not arise on this question. Perhaps he will put it down.

When the Noble Lord says that the Government are asking for reasonable time for this firm to arrange its affairs, does he mean that the Government acquiesce in the expulsion of this firm?

The right hon. Gentleman might await the answer which we are now awaiting from Rome and which we are expecting at any moment. The Government do not regard the situation as satisfactory; they regard it as most unsatisfactory.

Do we understand that His Majesty's Government will not in any circumstances tolerate the removal of any British firm from Abyssinia?

Answer!

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any information concerning the circumstances under which three sons of His Excellency the Ethiopian representative in London were recently executed in Addis Ababa by order of the Italian authorities there, and particularly if any form of trial took place prior to the executions?

The report received on this subject stated that the two younger sons of Dr. Martin had been arrested and subsequently executed, but contained no further details.

Can the Noble Lord say whether the British Consul-General in Addis Ababa protested against these executions?

Answer!

Is there any special reason why the Noble Lord is unable to say whether our representative on the spot made any comment on these executions?

There is no reason except that it is not the same question. If the hon. Member will put it down, I will see whether I can answer it.

Can the Noble Lord say whether His Majesty's Government approve of these executions?

No. I think that nobody in this country approves of the executions, and my right hon. Friend has already sent an expression of his deep sympathy to Dr. Martin.

Is there any chance of compensation?

Will the Noble Lord specifically call for a report whether any trial took place before these executions were carried out?

I will certainly consider that, but I would point out to the hon. and gallant Member that the circumstances are so abnormal that it is very difficult to get accurate information.

Does the Noble Lord realise that the public conscience of this country is thoroughly shocked?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of the recent expulsion from Abyssinia of six British missionaries; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the expulsion of English missionaries from Abyssinia; and what steps will be taken in the matter?

As soon as His Majesty's Consul-General in Addis Ababa heard that certain British missionaries had been ordered to leave the country, he took the matter up with the local authorities and asked for an extension of the time limit. At the same time, His Majesty's Ambassador at Rome made representations to the Italian Government, inquiring the reasons for expulsion. The missionaries had already left Addis Ababa before a reply had been received. His Majesty's Ambassador has, however, since, on instructions, made further strong representations as to the treatment accorded to these missionaries, a reply to which is expected shortly.

Are the Government prepared to acquiesce in this fait accompli?

I have already said that the Government regard the situation as most unsatisfactory, but we had better await the reply of the Italian Government.

If the Government have not recognised the Italian occupation of Abyssinia, are they going to accept the expulsion of British citizens?

We had better await the answer of the Italian Government.

Is not the Italian occupation of Abyssinia a fact?

Was the occupation of Belgium by Germany a fact?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any further statement to make with regard to the position and prospects of the British officers and constables of the Egyptian City Police whose services have been, or shortly will be, terminated in consequence of the provisions of the Anglo-Egyptian treaty; and whether he is satisfied that the terms offered to these men for service in the British section of the Palestine Police and the Malta Dockyard Police are reasonable having regard to their experience?

I regret that I am at present unable to supplement the very full statement which my right hon. Friend made on 10th March. It will be realised that in many cases it is impossible for the British officers and constables of the Egyptian Police to secure fresh employment while they are still in the service of the Egyptian Government, since they are not available for interviews outside Egypt and may, in any case, require some time in which to consider the merits of such offers as they may receive. I can, however, assure my hon. Friend that everything possible is being done to secure fresh and suitable employment for these men. As regards the second part of the question, it will be realised that to offer to the ex-constables more favourable rates of pay than those offered to other candidates for a service in the British section of the Palestine Police and the Malta Dockyard Police would entail discrimination. I understand that there is no lack of suitable candidates for these forces, and the terms offered must, therefore, be considered as reasonable.

Is it not a fact that the lowest-paid British constable in Egypt has been receiving 18 Egyptian pounds a month and that the offers in Palestine have been mainly in a temporary force at 11 Palestine pounds a month and, in the case of the Malta Dockyard Police, £8 a month; and in view of these circumstances, does not the Noble Lord think it would be a great pity if the services of these men were lost to the Empire in view of their exceptional experience in handling difficult situations?

My hon. Friend will understand that if you have various applicants for particulars posts, they must all be offered the same remuneration. You could not offer one man more than another man, so that in these particular cases they must be on the same basis.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the Spanish Government Note alleging the presence in Spain of four Italian divisions?

Yes, Sir. In the view of His Majesty's Government the best way of meeting such a situation as that which is described in the Note of the Spanish Ambassador is to make progress with the evacuation of volunteers. His Excellency has been informed to this effect. Should, however, it not be found possible to make progress with this subject in the Non-intervention Committee in the near future, a new situation would be created, which His Majesty's Government will at once examine with other interested Governments.

Do the Government accept the allegation that there are four Italian divisions in Spain? Have they made any inquiries on that subject?

That is a matter primarily for the Non-intervention Committee.

Does that refer to the Italians fighting on the side of the Government in Spain or on that of General Franco?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has been furnished by the Spanish Ambassador with the evidence upon which His Excellency has publiciy stated that 10,000 Italian troops landed at Cadiz on 22nd, 23rd, and 24th March?

No, Sir. My right hon. Friend has received no such communication from the Spanish Ambassador.

Will the Noble Lord ask the Spanish Ambassador for this evidence, with a view to its being laid before the Non-intervention Committee?

I think that if the Spanish Ambassador wishes to give this evidence, he will bring it to the notice of the Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Non-intervention Committee is meeting regularly; what was the date of the last meeting; and whether the date of the next meeting has been fixed?

The answer to the first part of the question is, Yes, Sir. The last full meeting of the committee was held on 24th March. A meeting of the Chairman's sub-committee will take place as soon as possible this week, and I hope it may be to-morrow.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the control board established in connection with the Non-intervention Committee has yet begun functioning; and is he able to report on its operations or the reasons if it is not yet functioning, and the difficulties delaying its satisfactory operation?

The International Board for Non-intervention in Spain has been in existence since 8th March, and it has since that date almost completed the elaborate organisation required for the establishment of the scheme of observation of the Spanish frontiers. I understand that the functioning of the board has been entirely satisfactory.

Do I understand that the statement means that the arrangement made is actually functioning at the present time?

No, I said that the elaborate organisation has been almost completed. It is hoped that it will be put into force in the course of the next few days.

Have the Italian Government passed the necessary legislation to implement their side of the agreement?

I understand that it will be possible for the scheme to come into force in the next few days.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the scheme for the prevention of volunteers going to Spain is to come into operation; and, if so, on what date?

The Non-intervention Agreement was extended, as from midnight 20th-2ist February to cover the recruitment in, the transit through, or the departure from their respective countries of persons of non-Spanish nationality proposing to proceed to Spain for the purpose of taking part in the present conflict, and this prohibition has been in force since that date.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now in a position to state what progress, if any, has been made by the Non-Intervention Committee respecting the withdrawal of foreign combatants from Spain?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend on 6th April, to which I have at present nothing to add.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has anything to report in connection with the work of the Control Board appointed by the Non-intervention Committee; whether that board has now appointed all the observers and assistant observers; and on what date the board is likely to begin its work?

I understand that the board have now appointed all the observers and assistant observers required for the operation of the scheme in its initial stages. Some of these officers have already reached their posts and others are expected to arrive shortly. I am not yet in a position to give a date for the entry into force of the scheme itself. I have, however, every hope that it will enter into force in a few days.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the date of the last meeting of the Non-intervention Committee and on what date the Committee will next meet; and whether he has any thing to report in connection with the last meeting of that Committee?

The last meeting of the Non-intervention Committee was held on 24th March. Since that date certain conversations have been taking place and I hope that a further meeting of the Chairman's Sub-Committee will be held as soon as possible this week. It is hoped that this may be to-morrow. As regards the last part of the question, I am not in a position to add anything to the communique issued by the Committee itself.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received evidence of any further entries into Spain of Italian or German bodies of armed combatants since the undertaking given by Germany and Italy to the Non-intervention Committee on 20th February not to permit such intervention?

No, Sir.

If the Non-intervention Committee meets to-morrow, will it investigate the allegation of the Spanish Government that 10,000 Italian volunteers landed in Spain on 24th March? I gather that the Committee has not met since the landing of the Italian volunteers was reported by the Spanish Government; are We to understand that the allegations of the Spanish Government have not been inquired into?

I have already explained that there has been a rumour to this effect, but the Spanish Government have not brought it to the notice of His Majesty's Government.

Can the Noble Lord explain why the Government are always ignorant of facts which seem to be known by all other countries and all other agencies?

What I have said already is that the Spanish Government have not brought this matter to the notice of His Majesty's Government. They certainly have not.

Have our Government no sources of information whatever, as the Noble Lord always says he has no information?

The right hon. Gentleman believes everything he sees.

Will the Noble Lord explain why, after repeated denials of any knowledge, it always turns out subsequently that these rumours are correct?

asked the Prime Minister what measures the Government propose to take to prevent interference with peaceful British shipping endeavouring to enter the Spanish port of Bilbao?

His Majesty's Government have had under consideration during the week-end the present situation for shipping in the neighbourhood of Bilbao. It has been necessary to take into account the practical aspect of the problem arising out of the efforts of the insurgent forces to invest Bilbao by sea and land. Bilbao is in close proximity to the war zone, and there is constant and serious risk to shipping in Bilbao harbour from bombing by aircraft. In addition, on account of the laying of mines by both sides in the approaches to Bilbao, there is now grave risk to any ship seeking to enter the harbour, unless mine-sweeping is first carried out within Spanish territorial waters. His Majesty's Government have come to the following decision. They cannot recognise or concede belligerent rights, and they cannot tolerate any interference with British shipping at sea. They are, however, warning British shipping that, in view of conditions at present prevailing in. the neighbourhood of Bilbao, they should not, for practical reasons, and in view of risks against which it is at present impossible to protect them, go into that area so long as those conditions prevail.

The Vice-Admiral commanding Battle Cruiser Squadron, in His Majesty's Ship "Hood," has been sent to the north coast of Spain. It is the desire of His Majesty's Government that, having regard to the difficult position which has arisen in those waters, an adequate naval force under the direct command of an officer of flag rank shall be available.

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that no interference with British shipping entering the port of Bilbao, or any other port of Spain, by General Franco's cruisers and armed trawlers, will be allowed, and that our ships will have orders to give them full protection, not only on the high seas but in territorial waters?

I have told the House that no blockade is recognised. The difficulty is that this situation is a comparatively new one. It is possible now to sow harbours, and the approaches to harbours, with mines. That is a comparatively new problem, and what I have said about mines, in my answer to the question, stands good.

Is it not a fact that the Spanish Government are prepared to guarantee the safety of vessels in the territorial waters of Bilbao, and that no rebel ship has gone there; and is it not for this Government to protest if mines are sown by the rebels which prevent the merchant ships of this country from proceeding on their ordinary course for a peaceful purpose?

The situation is constantly changing, and this is a matter of the last few days. I can only speak of the present situation; I cannot say how long it will last. The right hon. Gentleman must remember that these mines have been sown by both sides.

Does not this position in effect amount to a blockade of Bilbao?

No. I do not think it amounts to a blockade.

Would it not be a breach of the non-intervention Pact if ships were allowed to proceed to Bilbao for the assistance of the National Government in Spain?

In view of the fact that we as a sea Power have often in the past claimed for ourselves the right of blockade and search, can the Prime Minister assure us that the policy of denying belligerent status to the combatants will not create an international precedent which might prejudice our rights on some future occasion?

We do not admit belligerent rights now. As I said in the answer, His Majesty's Government cannot recognise or concede belligerent rights, and they cannot tolerate any interference with British shipping at sea.

What would be the position of the Government if these British vessels were prepared to undertake the risks involved?

I do not propose to answer at this moment any hypothetical question. They have been warned of the danger, and I cannot imagine that there are any owners in this country who, knowing the danger, would disregard it, and expose their ships and men to it.

In view of the right hon. Gentleman's very unsatisfactory statement, I beg to give notice that I will ask for a day in order to discuss the failure of His Majesty's Government to give protection to British merchantmen.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will obtain from Rio de Janeiro official details of the Boucas proposals about continuing the default on pre-war loans borrowed by the Brazilian Government from British nationals; and will he take steps so that the unilateral Aranha arrangement with the flotation houses, imposed by the Brazilian Government upon British creditors of Brazil, may not be extended for more than one year without consultation with His Majesty's Government representing the general body of British investors as apart from the houses which floated the loans?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the widely-distributed British holdings of public obligations upon which the Brazilian Government has several times defaulted, he will propose co-operation with the United States, the French and the Dutch Governments, calculated to prevent any renewal, in September next, of the Aranha scheme being presented, without the creditors' acquiescence, as an accomplished fact?

I would refer my hon. Friends to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to my hon. Friend the Member for North Newcastle-on-Tyne (Sir N. Grattan-Doyle) on 6th April, to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House any information concerning the case of Messrs. Edward Anthony Ashton and J. W. Webster, two British subjects, who are now in custody in Bolivia; how long have they been in prison; what are the charges against them; and why they have not been admitted to bail?

I understand that Mr. Ashton and Mr. Webster were arrested on 28th January, since when they have been in custody on the charge of intention to defraud the Bolivian Government in certain sales made during the Chaco war. Their difficulty in securing bail appears to be due to the fact that it involves the sureties not only pledging their own persons but also accepting responsibility for all financial liabilities should the accused leave the country. My right hon. Friend hopes to receive further information on the case from His Majesty's Minister at La Paz at an early date. In the meantime, the Minister has received instructions to ask the Bolivian Government for a detailed statement of the offences with which the two gentlemen are charged. I can assure my hon. Friend that His Majesty's Government will continue to keep a close watch on this matter.

Will my Noble Friend see that His Majesty's Government are sufficiently active in this matter, in view of the fact that these British subjects have been in custody so long under such extraordinary conditions that no time should elapse before the Government take definite steps?

I can assure my hon. Friend of that.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the demands made by United States Customs officers upon British citizens leaving that country after short visits for the payment of Income Tax in cases where, in fact, no salary from any American source has been paid; and whether he will make representations to the United States Government with a view to a more reasonable attitude being adopted by the Customs authorities?

I understand that the position which the right hon. Gentleman has in mind has recently been modified by Sections 119 and 211 of the United States Revenue Act of 1936, of which I am arranging to have copies sent to him.

Is the Under-Secretary of State aware that there have been recent examples of this imposition upon visitors to the United States of America, and will he undertake to inquire into the question?

I will certainly make inquiries, but my information is that there have been no further complaints since the Act to which I have referred came into force.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that Germany signed a pact of friendship and mutual assistance with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on 24th April, 1926, and that this pact was renewed on 24th January, 1931, and ratified on 5th May, 1933, by the present head of the German Government; and whether this pact is still in force, in view of the fact that neither Germany nor the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics have exercised their right to denounce it on giving a year's notice?

The facts are as stated by my hon. and gallant Friend, with the exception that, according to my information, the signature of the Protocol renewing the German-Soviet Pact of 1926 took place not on 24th January, 1931, but on 24th June, 1931. As far as I am aware, neither of the contracting parties have so far availed themselves of the right of denouncing this treaty.

Is the pact still in force?

Yes, as far as I am aware.

Do either of these people attach the slightest importance to each other's signatures?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any further information to give as to the delegation which the Polish Government have promised to send to London in the course of April, 1937, to confer with the Council of Foreign Bondholders, in consequence of the partial default impending upon the service of the Republic of Poland 7 per cent, stabilisation loan, sterling issue; and whether the British Government will be represented at the conference?

I understand from the Council of Foreign Bondholders that the Polish delegates are expected at the end of April, but that the exact date of their visit has not yet been fixed. The answer to the second part of the question is, No, Sir.

In view of the balance of trade between this country and Poland being heavily in favour of Poland, will my Noble Friend point out to the Polish Government that there can be no conceivable reason why the bondholders should not receive payment punctually and in full?

My hon. Friend must recognise that in the first place negotiations must be between the Polish Government and the Council of Foreign Bondholders which represents the interests of the bondholders.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the legal date by which the new election in Danzig must be held?

According to the Danzig Constitution, the Popular Assembly is elected for a period of four years, but may in certain circumstances be dissolved before the end of that period. Elections for a new Popular Assembly must be held in the last month but one before the expiration of the four-year period. The term of office of the present Assembly expires in April, 1939, and the latest date on which a fresh election can constitutionally be held is, therefore, in February, 1939.

What body decides whether dissolution is to take place earlier?

The Popular Assembly puts an end to its term of office by its own decision or by a referendum.

Has the Council of the League anything to do with that decision?

No, I have said that it is by its own decision or by a referendum.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government propose to concur in releasing Belgium from her provisional Locarno obligations of 19th March, 1936; and whether he will make a statement on the matter?

This matter is under active consideration, and my right hon. Friend hopes to be able to make a statement shortly.

May we take it that a statement to this effect contained in some of the Government papers last week merely constituted intelligent anticipation?

It is a very delicate situation, and I hope that the hon. Gentleman will not ask me to anticipate the statement.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the fact that the Director-General of Inland Waterways of the Netherlands and Director of Navigation on the Rhine has recently made a tour of the drainage works of the Great Ouse catchment area; whether, in view of his experience and authority on questions of land drainage, he has been in touch with any representative of the Ministry; and whether the Ministry have been informed of his observations and opinions with reference to the improvement of the drainage of the Fens?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to Dr. Schoenfeld's suggestions on the Fens and the possible reclamation of the Wash; and whether, in view of their importance, he will have them considered by the responsible authorities?

I myself met Dr. Schoenfeld in the course of a recent visit to the Great Ouse catchment area and I have seen the three articles which he contributed to recent issues of the "Daily Telegraph." Dr. Schoenfeld's second article proposed that a barrage should be erected across the River Ouse at King's Lynn to keep out the tidal water. A proposal of this nature has been before my Department on several occasions, and has provoked great opposition in the district and among land drainage engineers generally. Dr. Schoenfeld's third article, however, rejects this proposal in favour of a dam being built across the whole southern half of the Wash, but he admits that there would be considerable difficulties in the way of such a proposal. Apart from the fact that he estimates the cost of the dam at nearly three times that of schemes already partially being carried out by the Ouse Catchment Board, I have considerable doubt whether his proposals would be practicable or economic.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his personal visit to the Fens was received with much satisfaction by the people there, and that they are all very anxious that some tangible result should be the outcome of it; and if he will not consider the proposals of Dr. Schoenfeld, will he give further consideration to the proposals which are at present before the Ministry and give them adequate financial help?

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the situation is very present to my mind, and that anything I can do to help the Great Ouse Catchment Board in their difficult duties will be done with good will.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the serious condition of pollution and flooding of the Ogmore River, Glamorganshire; and what steps he proposes to take to financially help the appropriate authority to abate a nuisance which menaces the health of the inhabitants of Bridgend and district?

I am aware that there has been sewage pollution of the Llyafi, one of the main tributaries of the River Ogmore, for some time, of which the chief source is said to be the sewage disposal works of the Maesteg Urban District Council. I understand that the urban council have applied to the Commissioner for the Special Areas for a grant for new sewage disposal works, and for reconditioning their main sewer, and that this application is at present under consideration. I have myself no power and no funds to make grants for sewerage schemes, which come within the purview of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health. With regard to flooding, the responsible local authority is the Mid Glamorgan Rivers Catchment Board, who are aware that they can obtain a grant from the funds at my disposal for any approved land drainage scheme which they submit.

Does the right hon. Gentleman propose to consult the Minister of Health on this matter?

This is primarily a matter for my right hon. Friend. I have no doubt that the hon. Member for Ogmore (Mr. E. J. Williams) will approach my right hon. Friend in the matter, and any help which I can give will be given.

But the right hon. Gentleman having had his attention called to the matter, does he not propose to consult the Minister of Health about the pollution of this river?

I hope I have explained to the House that the pollution of rivers and sewerage schemes do not fall within my purview. The proper course is to approach my right hon. Friend.