Abyssinia.

Oral Answers to Questions — India. – in the House of Commons at on 24 May 1937.

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Photo of Mr Arthur Henderson Mr Arthur Henderson , Kingswinford

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now in a position to make a statement with reference to the expulsion of British missionaries from Abyssinia?

Photo of Viscount  Cranborne Viscount Cranborne , Dorset Southern

I regret that I am not yet in a position to make a statement. The delay is due to the fact that the Italian Government have not yet replied to questions which His Majesty's Government have addressed to them on this subject. I cannot regard this delay as satisfactory, and the House may rest assured that His Majesty's Government will continue to press the matter urgently upon the attention of the Italian Government.

Photo of Mr William Lunn Mr William Lunn , Rothwell

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information to give the House with regard to the position of affairs in Abyssinia?

Photo of Viscount  Cranborne Viscount Cranborne , Dorset Southern

Since the reply given by my right hon. Friend to the hon. Member on this subject on 19th January last, the Italian forces have further extended the area of their occupation in Abyssinia. Reliable information is difficult to obtain, but, broadly speaking, the position appears to be that the Italian Government are now in occupation of the whole of Abyssinia with the exception of a district in the south-west of the country lying to the west of Maji, and a small area between Beni Shangul and Gambeila adjoining the Sudan frontier.

Photo of Mr William Lunn Mr William Lunn , Rothwell

Will the Noble Lord make clear what our Government's attitude is towards Abyssinia's connection with the League of Nations?

Photo of Viscount  Cranborne Viscount Cranborne , Dorset Southern

The hon. Member had better put that question down. This question refers to the position in Abyssinia and not to its connection with Geneva.

Secretary of State

Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.