asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any action has been taken by the Italian Government as a result of the Prime Minister's announcement on 21st January, concerning the safety of Italian non-combatants in Abyssinia, Eritrea and Somaliland?

Any suggestion for securing the safety of these persons would have to come from the Italian Government or from its commanders on the spot. No such suggestion has reached His Majesty's Government. In any case, it will be clear that while operations are actively proceeding, His Majesty's Forces can do nothing to protect non-combatants behind the enemy lines, who might, in certain circumstances, be menaced by the collapse of internal order. It is the duty of the enemy High Command to ensure the protection of such persons.

Is not the murder of women and children absolutely abhorrent to the feeling and tradition of the Abyssinian nation, and has not the Emperor himself issued a proclamation on the subject?

Yes, Sir.