20. Mr. GRAHAM WHITEasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a settlement has been made between the United States of 1010 America and Germany in regard to the payment of the costs of the American Army of Occupation; and, if so, whether the payments to be made under this settlement will take precedence of those due to this country from Germany in respect of the cost of the British Army of Occupation?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Sir W. Joynson-Hicks)An agreement has been signed between the Government of the United States of America and the Governments of Great Britain, France, Italy and Belgium with regard to the reimbursement of the costs of the American Army of Occupation. The amount due to the United States Government will be payable in twelve equal yearly instalments out of payments in cash in respect of reparation made by Germany, or for the account of Germany, up to 25 per cent. of such payments in cash during the period 1923–6; afterwards up to the full amount of such payments in cash. Receipts by the British Government under the Reparation Recovery Act are not regarded as cash payments for the above purpose. The first annual instalment is payable by 31st December, 1923.
These yearly instalments will not take precedence of sums due to this country in respect of the British Army of Occupation up to the 31st December, 1926, but will do so after that date.
§ Mr. F. GRAYMay I ask why?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSWhy, what?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSBecause this agreement has been arrived at.
Lieut.-Colonel J. WARDCan the right hon. Gentleman give any reason why America should be the only country to be paid?
§ Sir W. DAVISONMay we have an answer to that question. Why is America always to be paid, seeing that she came into the War later than any of the other Allies?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI am afraid that raises a very difficult question of high policy, which I should prefer to see addressed to some other Minister.
§ Mr. PRINGLEIs it not the case that the other Allied Armies of Occupation have already been paid, whereas America has received no payment until this agreement?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThat is so.