HC Deb 30 June 1925 vol 185 c2225
67. Mr. BECKETT

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in what way the views of the Government on their preparedness to consider compensation claims of Russian nationals for the damage inflicted on Russian property and nationals in 1918, 1919, and 1920 have been brought before the Soviet Union?

Mr. A. M. SAMUEL (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)

The views of His Majesty's Government on Russian claims were set forth at the Genoa Conference and the Hague Conference in 1922 and at the Anglo-Soviet Conference in 1924.

Mr. BECKETT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in this House expressed his willingness to consider the claims of Russian nationals?

Captain A. EVANS

When the right hon. Gentleman made that statement he said that he would consider the claims of Russian nationals when our claims had been met by the other side?

Mr. BECKETT

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that that is not the case.

Mr. SAMUEL

With regard to the point which has been put to me by the hon. and gallant Member below the Gangway (Captain Evans), I think what he has said is perfectly correct. If the hon. Gentleman opposite will refer to the Foreign Secretary's reply on the 27th May he will see that that was exactly the point raised.