47. Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. HALLasked the Prime Minister whether this country is jointly responsible with its Allies for the decisions of the Reparation Commission as to the indemnity payments to be made by Germany; and, in view of the accumulation of evidence that Germany is able but unwilling to meet her financial obligations, what steps the Government proposes to take to enforce the treaty undertakings entered into by Germany?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe action to be taken in the event of default by Germany is a matter for the consideration of the Allied Powers.
Sir F. HALLIs the Government not of opinion that Germany, in many cases, is shamming her inability to meet her reparation, and is she to be allowed to be left in that position?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI do not think I can usefully answer a question of that kind. If Germany is declared in default by the Reparation Commission, the action to be taken is a matter for consideration by the Allied Governments. I regret they have not already met, or agreed to meet, to consider what should be done, but that is not our fault.
§ Captain WEDGWOOD BENNUnder the Treaty, is it competent for any one of the Allies to enforce sanctions alone, without the concurrence of the other Allies?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe hon. and gallant Gentleman will not expect me to answer a question of that kind without notice.
§ Sir W. DAVISONIs my right hon. Friend aware that nearly a quarter of the whole German Empire is under timber, and during the last three years we have imported £180,000,000 of timber into this country?
Sir F. HALLIs the hon. and gallant Member for Leith (Captain W. Benn) aware that, in the first part of my question, I have referred to the fact that this country is jointly responsible with its Allies?