§ 1. Mr. A. M. SAMUELasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will request the Government of Mexico to fulfil its obligations towards British subjects in accordance with the Mexican Government's debt agreement of June, 1922?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Ponsonby)This matter is one which concerns the United States and other Governments as well as His Majesty's Government. For the present I under stand that the International Bankers' Committee on Mexico are still in communication with the Mexican Government.
§ Mr. SAMUELIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this concerns us a great deal more than the United States, that £100,000,000 or more of British savings, mostly those of poor people, is being held in Mexico, and that the Mexicans are well able to pay their obligations?
§ Sir FREDRIC WISEIs it not a fact that half of the interest on this national debt has been paid?
§ Mr. SAMUELWhat steps is the Foreign Office taking? Is it supine, as usual, in these matters?
§ Mr. PONSONBYSo far as I know, no representations have been made to us to press the Mexican Government on this Subject.
§ Mr. SAMUELWill the hon. Gentleman accept this representation now?
§ Mr. ERSKINEIs it a matter of complete indifference to the British Government whether British investors lose their money or not in foreign loans?
§ Mr. PONSONBYNo, Sir. His Majesty's Government are watching this matter.