§ 2. Lieut.-Colonel RUDKINasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that a large amount of British capital has been invested in Austrian railways, some of which have been taken over by the Rumanian Government; and will he say whether the Rumanian Government intend to accept the liabilities attaching to such railways as to the payment of interest and for capital liability?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Ponsonby)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Repeated representations have been made to the Rumanian Government with a view to an arrangement being made between the Rumanian Government and the companies concerned in accordance with the terms of Article 320 of the Treaty of St. Germain, but hitherto without result. This question is being discussed by the Austro-Rumanian Commission now sitting at Vienna, and until the Commission has concluded its labours, it is not possible to return a definite reply to the second part of the question.
§ Lieut.-Colonel RUDKINCan the hon. Gentleman say that he will continue to take steps to protect British interests in this matter?
§ Mr. PONSONBYYes, Sir, I think I can say that.