HC Deb 16 March 1922 vol 151 cc2354-5
34. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government of the United States of America is putting forward a claim for the cost of the American army of occupation in Germany after the Armistice; what is the amount claimed; whether this claim will affect the proposed allocation or distribution of the indemnity payments made and to be made by Germany; and, if so, in what way?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Hilton Young)

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given to the question asked on this subject by the hon. and gallant Member for Newcastle - under - Lyme (Colonel Wedgwood) yesterday.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Can the hon. Gentleman give an answer to the second part of my question, which was not answered yesterday, namely, as to what was the amount claimed by the American Government, and also to the third part of the question, which was not answered yesterday, as to the proposed alterations of allocation, if any?

Mr. YOUNG

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will glance at my answer yesterday, I think he will see it was impossible for me to answer those questions until the formal representations, to which I have referred, have been made by the United States Government.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether we have made any representations to the United States for the withdrawal of this demand?

Mr. YOUNG

I should certainly be very sorry to answer that question myself without particular notice.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

May I ask the hon. Gentleman when he expects the official notification or note from the United States Government?

Mr. YOUNG

Of course, I could not say. It is a matter entirely for the United States Government.