45. Mr. FOOTasked the Prime Minister whether a note has been presented to France asking for payment of the interest on the French debt to this country; if so, whether a similar note has been presented to our other Allies in the late War; and whether he will lay the note upon the Table?
59. Mr. MALONEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can give the House any information regarding the Government's note to the Allies on the subject of the payment of interest on Inter-Allied War debts; whether any reply has been received from any of the Allies; and what is the nature of their replies?
Mr. YOUNGA communication has been addressed to all the Allied Governments owing War debts to this country giving formal notice that in view of the obligation of this country to pay interest to the United States Government in October next His Majesty's Government must reserve the right as from that date to ask for payment in cash of interest on Allied debts to this country. No replies have yet been received. I see no need to lay the text of the communication, the substance of which I have given.
§ Lord ROBERT CECILMay I ask my hon. Friend whether it is not quite usual to lay a Note of this importance on the Table of the House, and if there is any reason why it should not be laid?
Mr. YOUNGThe only reason for not laying the communication is that I have, I think, given the whole substance of it in my reply, but if any special importance is attached to the communication, I will certainly see that it is laid, if the Noble Lord will move for it in the ordinary way.