§ 47. Captain GARRO-JONESasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can now give any information regarding negotiations with France and Italy for the funding of their debts to this country?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI have nothing to add with regard to France. The Italian Government have formally notified His Majesty's Government of their willingness to initiate conversations of a definite character for a friendly settlement of their war debt to this country.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESMay I ask whether this is a new assurance, in addition to that which was given in the same sense six months ago?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLOh, yes, it is a new assurance which has reached me since I was last questioned by the hon. and gallant Gentleman on this subject, and it has also been published in an official communiqué by the Italian Government.
§ Mr. VARLEYCan the right hon. Gentleman give the House any idea of the cash value of the conversation?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThat is a matter which it would be better to pronounce upon when the conversation has been concluded.
§ Mr. MACKINDERDoes a friendly settlement mean a possible payment?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI cannot conceive any settlement which could be considered either friendly or a settlement which did not include as one of its features a certain payment.
Mr. BECKETTWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether conversations are also going to take place between Italy and America as regards that debt?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThat may be so, but I have no official information.