HC Deb 22 April 1920 vol 128 cc544-6
25 Commander Viscount CURZON

asked the Prime Minister how much reparation has so far been made by Germany to the Allies under the Peace Treaty?

The CHANCELLOR of the EX-CHEQUER (Mr. Chamberlain)

Considerable deliveries have been received in kind—e.g., ships, coal, etc.—but I am not yet in a position to state their values in money. The only cash received up to the present is that required for meeting the current expenses of the Commission.

Viscount CURZON

Is there any reason to think that there is any weakening on the part of the Allies on this question?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I know of none.

Mr. BILLING

May I ask whether in budgeting for this year the right hon. Gentleman made any provision for moneys coming from Germany?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I have already said that I have taken no credit for any moneys on account of reparation from Germany.

Mr. BILLING

Has any date been given to Germany for making payments?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

If the hon. Gentleman will consult the Treaty he will find a full answer to his question.

Sir SAMUEL ROBERTS

Is the cost of the Army of Occupation included in the Budget?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Yes, Sir. I have included the amount to be expended this year on the Army of Occupation, and such recoveries as we may expect to receive during the year in respect of the Army of Occupation.

Viscount CURZON

Is it the intention of the Government to issue any sort of balance sheet from time to time showing what payments have been made?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

When repayments are made, as the hon. and gallant Gentleman is probably aware, the date and conditions must be settled by the Reparation Commission. This is not a British Government Department: it is an Inter-Allied authority for which I cannot undertake to answer as I would be able to answer for an ordinary British Government Department in my charge. But I shall be glad to give the House, from time to time, such information as is available.

Colonel LOWTHER

Is there any reason to suppose that, because Germany can do little or nothing at the present time, that when matters settle down she will not be able to pay?

Mr CHAMBERLAIN

I see no reason to suppose that she will not be able to pay substantial contributions when she has settled down.

48. Major ENTWISTLE

asked if the Reparation Commission appointed under Article 233 has notified the German Government the amount of damage for which compensation is to be made by Germany; what is the extent of that Government's obligations; if due facilities have been allowed to the Germans to give evidence; and what is the composition of the Commission?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

According to the latest information in the possession of His Majesty's Government, the answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and the second and third parts do not therefore arise. The composition of the Commission is as follows:—

  • France.—M. Poincaré (Chairman), M. Mauclerc.
  • Britain.—Sir John Bradbury, G.C.B., Sir Hugh Levick, K.B.E.
  • Italy.—Signor Bertolini, Signor d'Amelio.
  • Belgium.—M. Theunis, M. Bemel- mans.
  • Japan.—M. Mori, M. Sekiba.
  • U.S.A. (unofficial representatives).—Mr. Rathbone (recently succeeded by Mr. B. W. Boyden), Mr. Logan.