HC Deb 25 November 1920 vol 135 cc633-5
31. Colonel LOWTHER

asked the Prime Minister whether he informed the London correspondent of the "Petit Parisien" that he had in no way deviated from his election pledge to make Germany pay for the War to the utmost of her capacity; and whether he would give the House an assurance that in fixing the amount of the indemnity Germany's capacity to pay will be measured not only by her present assets but by her past and potential wealth?

The PRIME MINISTER

I have nothing to add to the statements I have repeatedly made to this House on this subject, that the criterion of German reparation payments must be her obligations under the Treaty and her capacity to pay.

Colonel LOWTHER

Is it not a fact that the French Government's advisers are far more sanguine than the right hon. Gentleman's advisers as to the money being recoverable from Germany?

The PRIME MINISTER

That is a question which will be examined by their experts at the next Conference, and I have not yet heard what their advice is.

Colonel LOWTHER

Further, is it not a fact—and I say this without any offence —that the right hon. Gentleman's advisers can be classed under the category of international financiers—some of them; I do not say all?

The PRIME MINISTER

It is not in the least true. I do not even know to whom the hon. and gallant Gentleman refers.

Colonel LOWTHER

I do not want to be offensive, but I could mention names.

The PRIME MINISTER

Perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman will let me know. If there is any adviser of the Government to whom objection is taken, I should like to know his name.

Colonel LOWTHER

Is it not also a fact that hordes of money have been taken into Holland and placed with Dutch banks to the account of the ex-Kaiser and millionaire friends of his? Could not this money be recoverable?

The PRIME MINISTER

All I have heard about that is what I have seen in the papers, and we have made enquiries and have no such information.

Colonel LOWTHER

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries?

The PRIME MINISTER

The hon. and gallant Gentleman pays far more attention to his questions than to the answers given to them. I said we have inquired and have not yet received any answer.

Mr. BILLING

If the right hon. Gentleman is successful in his inquiries and traces this money, will it be confiscated, as it is badly wanted in this country?

The PRIME MINISTER

First of all I must get the information. If there is money in Holland the hon. Member must know that there are great difficulties in confiscating property in an independent State.

Mr. BILLING

Is it not the policy of the Government to allow the German ex-Emperor to get away with large sums of money to which he is not entitled and of which this country is in urgent need?

Colonel LOWTHER

May I ask if—

Mr. SPEAKER

Order, order. The hon. and gallant Gentleman must not continue standing when I rise.

Colonel LOWTHER

I wish to apologies.