10. Major C. LOWTHERasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government of the United States of America has protested against the acquiring by a British company of an oil concession in Costa Rica; if so, whether he can state the grounds for the protest; and if he is prepared to support legitimate British enterprise in a friendly country?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYHis Majesty's Government are aware that the United States Consul at San Jose endeavoured to secure the cancellation of a concession in Costa Rica obtained by a United States Company, but in which British capital was interested. His Majesty's Government will afford all proper support to any legitimate concession obtained in accordance with the laws and constitution of Costa Rica.
Major LOWTHERCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the recent trouble between Panama and Costa Rica was caused by this very question of the oil concession, and whether the territory seized by Costa Rica is territory in which oil has been found?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI could not answer that question without notice.