§ Mr. JOHN REDMONDasked what protection will be afforded by the British Government to the rights of British subjects holding property in Portugal who have complied with the terms of the decree issued by the provisional Government of Portugal?
§ Sir E. GREYThe hon. Member no doubt refers to the decree issued on 31st December, 1910, by the Portuguese Government. This decree, of which a translation was published in the "London Gazette" on 25th April last, pronounced the forfeiture to the State of the properties of religious associations in Portugal, under certain conditions, and laid down the procedure which must be followed by any claimants desiring to establish a rightful title to the ownership of confiscated properties. His Majesty's Minister at Lisbon formally reserved all rights that British subjects might possess in respect of the properties affected. On further representations from His Majesty's Government, the Portuguese Government have given an assurance that any decision adverse to British claims may, at an early stage of the proceedings, be referred to arbitration at The Hague.