§ 78. Colonel MORDENasked the Prime Minister whether any arrangements had been made whereby the civilians interned at Ruhleben during the War were to be given compensation for the losses occasioned by their internment; and, if so, what was the basis on which this compensation was to be paid, and what was the Department through which the payments would be made?
§ The PRIME MINISTERCompensation for damage sustained by British civilians formerly interned in Germany is governed by the terms of Annex 1 to Section 1, Part VIII., of the Treaty of Peace with Germany. All claims by British civilians against the German Government in respect of internment have been registered during the War by the Foreign Claims Office of the Foreign Office. These claims will in due course be presented to and considered by the Reparation Commission. That authority alone has the power to decide which of them are entitled to rank under the terms of tile Treaty. The procedure of the Commission, the basis upon which its awards will be made, and the mariner in which the amounts awarded will be paid to the claimants are matters which cannot be determined in advance, but must necessarily await the establishment of the tribunal in question.
§ Colonel MORDENWill the right hon. Gentleman state any approximate date when these claims can be adjusted?
§ The PRIME MINISTEREverything awaits the ratification of the Treaty. Until the Treaty is ratified the Reparation 565 Commission cannot commence its work. The moment it is set up and is in authority I have no doubt all these claims will be considered.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENWhere are parties to lodge their claims?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think they are registered with the Foreign Claims Office at the Foreign Office.