HC Deb 01 April 1925 vol 182 cc1285-7
15. Colonel GRETTON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that the States of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina, in North America, have defaulted in the payment of their State debts; and if any representations have been made by His Majesty's Government to the Government of the United States at Washington with a view to obtaining repayment of these State debts, which were contracted for industrial purposes and a large part of which was lent by British citizens?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; the answer to the second part is in the negative.

Colonel GRETTON

Am I to understand that the Government do not see their way to do anything to recover these debts?

Viscountess ASTOR

Now that the States have gone for Prohibition is it not very likely they will have more money to pay their debts with?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I hope my Noble Friend will apply her persuasive arguments to the Legislatures and Governments of these States. It is a fact, in answer to my hon. and gallant Friend, that I see no prospect of making representations with any chance of success. The Government of the United States have no control over these States. United States citizens are as much interested as our own, and if they fail to secure redress I am afraid no representations would be of avail.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these debts were incurred in an effort to make war upon the United States?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I think that is not wholly correct.

Mr. NEIL MACLEAN

Are the Government considering the withdrawal of the British Ambassador from a country which has defaulted?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I have yet to learn that the United States have defaulted.

Mr. MACLEAN

Are these places not in the United States?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Perhaps the hon. Member will give a little study to the constitution of the United States.

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