HC Deb 02 July 1923 vol 166 cc22-3
41. Brigadier-General SPEARS

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if any proposals have been received from the French Government that the cost of maintaining the French army in the Ruhr should be placed to the account of the armies of occupation; and if he will define the attitude of His Majesty's Government to such a proposal?

Mr. McNEILL

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; the second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

Brigadier-General SPEARS

Does the hon. Gentleman not consider that he ought to make the views of His Majesty's Government known, not only because the statement referred to in the question was made by the French Prime Minister in the Senate, but also because—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"]

Captain WEDGWOOD BENN

Has the hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the fact that M. Poincaré stated that not only would these costs be charged to the reparation account, but would be given priority?

Mr. McNEILL

I do not think that is quite a correct rendering of what M. Poincaré said. The matter is not at all clear, but the answer which I have given to the question on the Paper is strictly accurate.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Could not the Government make an effort to discover what are the intentions of the French Government in this matter and whether they do claim priority?

Mr. McNEILL

Of course the Government can take steps to ascertain that, if they think it desirable to do so.

Mr. PRINGLE

Is it not the case that the French Government do not trouble to reply to us now?

Brigadier-General SPEARS

Is it the fact that the French Prime Minister stated that this action was taken on behalf of the Allies?