§ 93. Mr. HORE-BELISHAasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to an arrangement whereby a large American loan is proposed to be made to 1958 the Repubic of Liberia, coupled with other arrangements of a controlling or influencing nature; and whether, in view of the effect of this proposed loan on the existing indebtedness of Liberia in which England is interested, and also on the position of the American nominee, the controller of customs and financial adviser, who acts under international obligation, His Majesty's Government and the Republic of France have been consulted in the matter and have assented thereto?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Godfrey Locker-Lampson)My attention has been drawn to this proposed loan and to the arrangements connected therewith. The loan is a private one, and His Majesty's Government have not been consulted. His Majesty's Government have carefully considered the possible effects of this scheme on British interests and, on the information before them, there is no reason to believe that any British Treaty right will be infringed by the arrangements which it is understood will be made in connection with this loan. There is, furthermore, no reason to assume that the interests of the existing British bondholders or the position of the American Receiver-General will be affected prejudicially by the terms of the proposed loan.