§ 50. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much of interest of the British debt due to the United States has been paid in gold; how much in bills representing goods, exported either to the United States or indirectly to other countries which, in their turn, have exported them to the United States; and what has been the effect upon the import and export trade of this country with the United States?
§ Mr. SNOWDENIt is not possible to identify particular payments in the United States of America with particular methods of acquiring dollars; and, in any case, I do not think it would be in the public interest to give details of how dollars were acquired. I am satisfied that the payment of our debt to the United States has 247 not, so far, prejudiced trade with that country.
§ Sir F. WISEWas not that debt paid in Liberty Bonds?
§ Mr. SNOWDENThe hon. Member ought to know that in the public interest it is very inadvisable to give information as to the special means of payment, and it is particularly so in regard to the matter in question.
§ 62. Sir F. WISEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is in a position to state which countries have funded their debt to the United States besides ourselves; and if any conferences are going on with the other countries who owe war debts to the United States?
§ Mr. SNOWDENI understand that an agreement has been reached with Finland. So far as I am aware, no negotiations are actively proceeding with any of her country.