HC Deb 15 July 1918 vol 108 cc690-1
22. Major PEEL

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state what policy, by way of liquidation or otherwise, is being pursued by the Government of Germany towards British property in that country; and whether a similar policy is being pursued by the Governments in alliance with Germany?

The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Balfour)

A German decree of September, 1914, gave power to place all British property in Germany under compulsory administration, and a later decree authorised the liquidation of all British undertakings in Germany of which the capital was provided by British subjects, or which were controlled or conducted from British territory, or which had been so controlled or conducted up to the outbreak of war. It is understood that wide use has been made of these powers.

In July, 1916, the Austrian and Hungarian Governments issued similar Orders enabling firms of enemy nationality to be put under Government administration and, if necessary, liquidated, and, so far as is known, effect has been given to these Orders in a number of cases.

The Bulgarian Government passed a law in April, 1917, authorising the liquidation of enemy property, and by an Order of 31st October last this law was applied in its entirety to all commercial and industrial enterprises in Bulgaria belonging to British subjects.

I have been unable to obtain definite information in regard to any laws or regulations governing the treatment of enemy property in Turkey, but up to January, 1917, no measures had been taken to sequestrate or close the businesses of British subjects.

Mr. PRINGLE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what happens to the assets of these companies which are put in liquidation under the Orders he mentioned?

Mr. BALFOUR

I have no information on that subject. Perhaps the hon. Member will put a question down.

Mr. D. MASON

May I assume that the right hon. Gentleman and the Government will keep alive these claims of British owners of property when peace comes?

Mr. BALFOUR

It is quite evident that all these questions of private rights in the various countries must be considered.