41. Lieut. Colonel Sir VIVIAN HENDERSONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is in a position to make any statement as to future payments by this country to the United States of America on account of War Debts; and whether any negotiations or discussions have taken place on this subject since the end of July between representatives of the two countries?
§ 43. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has any statement to make on the subject of our War Debt to the United States of America?
§ 46 and 47. Mr. HAMMERSLEYasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether the Government proposes to make payment of the instalment of the British debt to the United States due in December;
(2) whether any negotiations have taken place on the subject of Britain's War Debt to the United States; and, if so, will he give details?
§ 51. Captain DOWERasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement regarding any negotiations which have taken place, either with the United States of America or with any other allied countries interested, during the Recess with respect to the payment of War Debts?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe discussions in regard to the War Debt have now been concluded. It has, unfortunately, not proved possible to reach agreement for a final settlement. His Majesty's Government recognise, however, the difficulties which exist in the way of reaching such an agreement at the present time, by reason of the unsettled economic and financial situation, and they have accordingly informed the United States Government that they are prepared to make, on 15th December next, a further payment of 7,500,000 dollars in United States currency, in acknowledgment of the Debt, pending a final settlement. His Majesty's Government have stated that they are ready to resume negotiations on the general question whenever, after consultation with the President, it may appear that this can usefully be done.
25 President Roosevelt is making a statement in Washington to-day in regard to the discussions. After briefly referring to the origin and result of the conversations, the statement continues as follows:
It has, therefore, been concluded to adjourned the discussions until certain facts in the world situation—commercial and monetary—become more clarified. In the meantime I have, as Executive, noted the representations of the British Government. I am also assured by that Government that it continues to acknowledge the Debt without, of course, prejudicing its right again to present the matter of its readjustment, and that, on the 15th December, 1933, it will give tangible expression of this acknowledgment by the payment of 7,500,000 dollars in United States currency. In view of these representations, of the payment and of the impossibility at this time, of passing, finally and justly, upon the request for a readjustment of the Debt, I have no personal hesitation in saying that I shall not regard the British Government as in default.The text of the Notes exchanged between His Majesty's Government and the United States Government, and also of President Roosevelt's statement, is given in a White Paper, copies of which will be available in the Vote Office after questions.
§ Mr. LANSBURYMay I ask the Prime Minister or the Chancellor whether there is any intention to give the House an opportunity of discussing the White Paper and any further statement that the Chancellor may make on the subject?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINNo doubt the right hon. Gentleman will wish to have a look at the White Paper first, and if, after that, representations are made through the usual channels, no doubt consideration will be given to them.
§ Mr. LANSBURYI am quite aware that, like everybody else, I can look at the contents of the White Paper, but I want to be certain that the House will have an opportunity—very little time is apparently available—if it so desires, of discussing it. That is all that I asked the right hon. Gentleman.
§ Sir AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINAm I right in understanding from the statement of my right hon. Friend that the payment to be made on 15th December 26 will be made on the same conditions as that which was made on the last due date—in all respects on the same conditions?