20 and 21. Captain HAMIILTON BENNasked (1) whether, in the provisions of the Treaty of Peace entitling creditors to claim pre-War debts due from German subjects, it is intended that the ex-Kaiser of Germany is to be regarded as a German subject from whom debts may be claimed;
(2) whether the fact that the ex-Kaiser of Germany was not resident in Germany at the date of ratification of the Treaty of Peace precludes British creditors from claiming through the Clearing Office (Enemy Debts) Department of the Board of Trade pre-War debts due from the ex-Kaiser?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Bridge-man)I have been asked to answer these questions. I am advised that whilst the ex-Kaiser of Germany may be regarded as a German national, it may not be possible to prefer a claim against him through the Clearing Office owing to the fact that he was not resident in German territory at the date when the Treaty of Peace with Germany was ratified.
§ Mr. BILLINGHas this question been put before the League of Nations, and would it not be better to leave them to bring pressure to bear on a neutral country which does not fall in with the wishes of the Allies?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI cannot answer that question without notice.
22. Captain H. BENNasked whether under Clause 25 of the Annex to Article 296 of the Treaty of Peace creditors of the ex-Kaiser of Germany can prosecute a claim for pre-War debts before a court of law; and, if so, whether before the Courts of this country or of Germany or of Holland?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI have been asked to reply. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As to the second part, the nature and terms of the contract under which the claim arises would determine which of the Courts referred to would have jurisdiction to entertain the action.