HC Deb 23 November 1931 vol 260 c15
19. Sir W. DAVISON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action His Majesty's Government proposes to take to secure payment from the Soviet Government to Lena Goldfields, Limited, of the arbitral award of, approximately, £13,000,000 made in favour of that company on the 2nd September, 1930, in view of the failure of the negotiations for a settlement which recently took place in Berlin between representatives of the Soviet Government and Lena Goldfields, Limited?

Mr. EDEN

As a result of discussions in London with representatives of the company, my right hon. Friend has instructed His Majesty's Ambassador, who has recently returned to his post, to make fresh representations to the Soviet Government as soon as possible after his return.

Sir W. DAVISON

Is the Foreign Secretary aware that the offer made by the Soviet representative in Berlin was to pay a sum of £800,000 in settlement of a claim for £13,000,000?

Mr. EDEN

Yes, and as I have said, these representations are now being made by His Majesty's Ambassador.