HC Deb 31 December 1916 vol 88 cc1587-8
2. Mr. HOUSTON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state the date on which the name of the steamer "Bratsberg" was placed on the British black list and the reasons for this action; on what date the name was removed from the black list and the reason for this removal; why this steamer was permitted for some seven months during this year to trade between River Plate ports and the United States carrying cargo for enemy or pro-enemy firms; and whether the principal agent of this steamer in the River Plate is a British subject resident in Buenos Ayres?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Lord R. Cecil)

It is very undesirable that discussion should take place in this House as to the reasons for the exercise of restrictive powers in connection with any particular case, and I trust therefore my hon. Friend will not press this part of the question. The trade between the River Plate and the United States, to which the hon. Member calls attention, formed the subject of representations to the firm to which the vessel was subsequently chartered, and as a result these proceedings were stopped. The vessel is now on charter to a British firm.

3. Mr. HOUSTON

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that much of the resentment felt by bonâ-fide neutrals in the United States and the Argentine and the friction created in connection with British black lists is caused by British subjects domiciled in these neutral countries being permitted by our Government to carry cargo for or on account of black-listed firms or individuals in neutral vessels chartered and loaded on the berth by these British subjects; and whether he is aware of the adverse comments made and resentment expressed in these countries on the favouritism shown to these British subjects while denied to neutrals; and will he state what action he proposes to take?

Lord R. CECIL

From the information in the possession of His Majesty's Government, there would appear to be no foundation for the suggestions contained in the question.

Mr. HOUSTON

I shall be very pleased to show the right hon. Gentleman some of the newspaper statements which he disputes.

Lord R. CECIL

I do not deny that suggestions have been made but I say there are no foundations for them.

Mr. KING

Does the right hon. Gentleman say that there is no irritation over the black list in America?

Lord R. CECIL

I never said anything of the kind.

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