§ MR. SEAVERNS (Lambeth, Brixton)To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of the fact that Messrs. Fowler and Company, British subjects, of Cienfuegos, Cuba, have claims against the Spanish Government for large amounts arising from damage to their Cuban property caused by Spanish troops; and whether, seeing that these claims were filed with the British Consul-General at Havana as far back as November, 1897, he will take steps to induce the Spanish Government to deal with the matter without further delay.
(Answered by Secretary Sir Edward Grey.) I am fully cognisant of the claim referred to, which was presented to the Spanish Government by His Majesty's Embassy at Madrid so far back as January, 1898. The long delay which has occurred in the settlement of the claim is much regretted by His Majesty's Government, who have not failed, however, to make use of every opportunity of pressing for its payment. I understand it is the case that all Colonial claims against the Spanish Government, those of Spanish subjects as well as of foreigners, have been subjected to a similar delay to that inflicted on Messrs. Fowler, and an early settlement seems unfortunately improbable, as, according to law dated 30th July, 1904, no money can be paid until an Inter-Departmental Committee, which is still engaged on its labours, has examined and reported upon all the claims which have been brought forward.