HC Deb 03 November 1919 vol 120 c1119
59. Mr. GRATTAN DOYLE

asked the Prime Minister if he can give an approximate idea when the first instalment of the German indemnity will be paid and the amount which it is proposed to allocate to this country; whether such proportion will be paid in bullion or in material and goods; when the sum the German Government has contracted to pay for the British Army of Occupation at Cologne, the first instalment of which is now overdue, will be paid; and what time limit is being allowed to the said Government for paying the latter instalments?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for West Toxteth on the 27th ultimo.

Mr. BILLING

Has France or any other Allied country received any instalment of the indemnity from Germany?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

That is not the question on the Paper, and I think it is better in these matters of an international character that I should have notice of any question. No distribution of payments under the Reparation Clauses can be made until the Reparation Commission has met and decided how they are to be made.

Mr. BOTTOMLEY

Is the policy of His Majesty's Government still that declared by the Prime Minister of demanding from Germany the full cost of the War and searching her pockets for it?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

If the hon. Member will read the Peace Treaty for confirmation and exposition of the policy of His Majesty's Government in conjunction with their Allies lie will find it bears out entirely the statement of the Prime Minister to which he alludes.

Mr. BOTTOMLEY

That is why I put the question.