63. Lieutenant-Colonel GUINNESSasked the Prime Minister whether in the Armistice terms signed on 11th November, 1918, the words with the reservation that any future claims and demands of the Allies and the United States remain unaffected appear in the official United States bulletin as part of Clause 18 dealing with repatriation, but in the British text as part of Clause 19 dealing with reparation, etc.; whether he can say which version is correct; and whether the British version allows complete freedom to the Allies to demand an indemnity apart altogether from reparation for actual damage done?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWAs I have already stated the French is the official text and the British version is an exact translation of it. As regards the last part of the question I cannot add anything to the very definite statements which have been already made on the subject.
Lieutenant-Colonel GUINNESSHas the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been called to the statement in to-day's Press that the British Government are now considering the question of making no money claim whatever against Germany, and can he give any information?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWMy attention was called to it by my hon. Friend sending it to me, but it does not in the least represent the intention of the Government.
§ Mr. MACMASTERIs it not a fact that the French version is the official version, and that the words in the French version are "rêparation des dommages"which have a special signification in the French language, that is perfectly distinct from the meaning of "indemnity"?
Lieutenant-Colonel GUINNESSI beg to give notice that I propose to raise this question on the War Cabinet Vote this, afternoon, or if that Vote is not reached on the Adjournment to-night.