63 Lieut. - Colonel W. GUINNESSasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, having regard 907 to the distress in Central Europe, any action will be taken to set free the investments in Great Britain and the money in court to the credit of Austrian and German subjects by marriage who were British subjects by birth so that they can realise securities and get money paid out?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI have been asked to reply. In accordance with the terms of the Treaties of Peace with Germany and Austria the property in this country belonging to German and Austrian nationals will be held as security for the payment of claims by British nationals with regard to their property in Germany and Austria and debts owing to them by German and Austrian nationals. Until these claims and debts have been satisfied the question of any general release of such property cannot be considered. Payments of monthly allowances to the British-born wives of Gorman and Austria nationals have been authorised where the Board of Trade were satisfied that such allowances were required for maintenance purposes. Debts due to British-born wives of German nationals residing in Germany must be paid through the Clearing Office.