14. Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALLasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the shortage of food and war materials in this and Allied countries, steps will now be taken to limit strictly to their own requirements the exports permitted to neutral countries in touch with Germany and the other Central Powers, having regard to the fact that this could now be done without undue hardship to those countries in view of the great resources which they have secured by the peace terms arrived at by negotiation with Russia and Roumania?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of BLOCKADE (Mr. Leverton Harris)I hope and believe that the object aimed at by my hon. and gallant Friend was substantially achieved some eighteen months ago.
Sir F. HALLCan the hon. Gentleman say whether it is to be considered ancient history that arrangements have been made or peace negotiations concluded between Germany and Russia; and if that was eighteen months ago, were they concluded then?
Sir F. HALLWill the hon. Gentleman give me a reply to my question on the Paper, and not state something in this House that occurred eighteen months ago?
Mr. HARRISI think the answer which I gave was a reply to the hon. Gentleman's question. The objects which he wishes to see achieved were taken into account eighteen months ago.
Mr. FABERCan the hon. Gentleman say whether vital considerations have not since intervened in the form mentioned in the question, and whether, in these circumstances, you are not to be tied up for ever with regard to the neutral countries adjacent to Germany?
Mr. HARRISThe question asked was whether we would limit the exports to neutral countries in touch with Germany? My reply was that we had done that eighteen months ago.