§ 49. Sir VICTOR WARRENDERasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the general return to internal prosperity of Rumania, any steps are being taken by the Rumanian authorities towards the repayment of either interest or principal of the loan of £30,000,000 advanced to Rumania during the War?
§ Mr. SNOWDENNo proposals have been received from the Rumanian Government with regard to payment of principal 1999 or interest on the advances made to them by His Majesty's Government for war purposes, the amount of which outstanding on 31st March last was £24,778,000. Interest is being paid on the post-War Relief Debt.
§ Sir V. WARRENDERIf the Rumanian Government propose to ask the British public to support a further loan, will His Majesty's Government undertake to let the British public know that until quite recently the Rumanian Government defaulted in its obligations to the British public in respect of the previous loan?
§ Mr. SNOWDENThe hon. Member must realise that this question of debts due by foreign countries cannot be considered in relation to one particular debt, but must be considered in regard to the whole question of inter-Allied indebtedness.
§ Mr. HARMSWORTHIn these circumstances, will the right hon. Gentleman consider calling an Inter-Allied Debt Conference, which will include America, to consider the whole question of these debts?
§ Mr. SNOWDENIt is not for me to reply to a question like that. That is a matter for the Foreign Secretary.
§ Captain BRASSCan the right hon. Gentleman say why the debts cannot be considered separately?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Sir J. NORTON-GRIFFITHSIs it not a fact that the Rumanian Government had large credits on their side—a considerable sum—in regard to the destruction of oil and corn?