§ 31. Colonel ROUNDELLasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that British-owned money in the custody of German banks was, during the War, transferred by the latter to the German custodian for enemy property; that the German authorities are now disputing claims in respect of such money, made through the British clearing house, on the ground that there is a doubt whether they are governed by Article 296 or 297 of the Treaty; whether the Mixed Arbitral Tribunal has yet decided the point; and, if not, will he press for a decision in order that British subjects may receive their property without further delay?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Sir W. Mitchell-Thomson)I am aware that in some cases British-owned moneys in German banks were transferred to the German custodian, but in most cases they have not been interfered with and either have been, or presumably will be, admitted as debts under Article 296. In certain cases the German clearing office has adopted the attitude referred to in the second part of the question. Discussions are taking place between the British and German clearing offices on the subject, and it is hoped that a satisfactory arrangement will be come to shortly, failing which a test case will be submitted to the Mixed Arbitral Tribunal for adjudication.