§ 62. Mr. BOTTOMLEYasked the Prime Minister whether it is correct to assume from the official summary of the Peace Treaty that the only cash payments to be made by Germany are as follows: that she is to make reparation for damage to persons and property under the seven heads enumerated in the summary, the total obligation in respect of which is to be notified to her not later than 1st May, 1921;that she is to reimburse Belgium by means of bonds falling due in 1926 all sums borrowed by that country from the Allies; that within two years she is to pay the sum of £1,000,000,000 sterling, a further £2,000,000,000 in bonds at varying rates of interest with a sinking fund beginning in 1926, and a further £2,000,000,000 in 5 per Cent. Bonds under terms not yet fixed; and whether these prospective payments, amounting in the aggregate to £5,000,000,000 sterling, are, as to £4,000,000,000, to be spread over a period of thirty years whilst, subject to possible deductions, the first £1,000,000,000 is in respect of the cost of the Army of Occupation and other matters?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe summary made in the first part of the question is, I think, substantially correct. I would point out, however, that the bonds referred to for 5,000 millions are to be delivered as on account of the total obligation, that further issues of bonds may be required subsequently as security, and that the total amount payable in money or other forms of reparation is not limited to the amount of the bonds, but must meet in full all the demands specified in Section VIII. of the official summary of the Treaty published in the Press on the 3rd of May. The deductions also which may be allowed in regard to the first thousand millions would postpone but not diminish the total amount of the payment.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYMay I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman's considered judgment is that if I were to seek an opportunity of asking leave to move the Adjournment of the House, such a discus- 1335 sion would be prejudicial to the interests of the Peace Conference; and, if so, I table a Motion dealing with the matter, will he give a day for the discussion before it is too late?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI think I may say that all the heads of the Allied Governments take the same view that any discussion of any parts of the Peace terms at present would be undesirable. I shall be, therefore, much obliged if my hon. Friend will not press it. As regards putting a Motion on the Paper, if the circumstances change so as to make it possible for us to permit a discussion without doing harm, I shall be very glad to give a day.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYI will put a notice on the Paper without prejudice to my light to still ask leave to move the Adjournment.
Mr. GIDEON MURRAYWill the right hon. Gentleman state whether any official detailed estimate, both in money and in kind has been made of the demands made upon Germany under the Peace terms, including German colonies and shipping; and, if so, what the estimate amounts to?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWNo official estimate has been made, but the subject has, of course, been discussed, and the amount is very large.
Colonel C. LOWTHERMay I ask whether the sum of £5,000,000,000 is the sum total of the enemy country's obligation?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWOh, no. The answer I gave stated clearly, and it also appears in the summary of the terms, that this is an amount on account, and in no way prejudices our total claims.
Mr. G. MURRAYIs the right hon. Gentleman prepared to give such a statement and publish it for the general information?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI really do not think it would be possible to do it at the present time. Claims are to be made by each of the Allied Powers; they will be subject to revision, and I do not think it would be possible at present to give any estimate of them.
§ Colonel YATECan the right hon. Gentleman state shortly what are the powers we possess to enforce payment of these bonds in years to come?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe powers are contained, I think, in the summary of the Treaty. We shall have, for instance, all our economic weapons, and also, as the House is aware, the occupation of part of Germany for a considerable time.