asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government have been informed by the French Government of the contents of the Italian Note of 17th December, 1938; and whether, in view of the importance of this document, he will communicate its contents to the House?

The text of the note referred to was communicated confidentially to His Majesty's Government at the time by both the French and Italian Governments. This note has not as yet been published either in France or in Italy, and in these circumstances I am not at present in a position to communicate its contents to the House. I understand, however, that it may be published in the near future.