HC Deb 28 April 1926 vol 194 cc2004-5
15. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Secretary of State far Foreign Affairs whether, before approving of a loan to the Bulgarian Government to be made under the auspices or with the approval of the League of Nations, he will obtain the views of His Majesty's Minister in Sofia as to the possibility of securing the restoration of civil law in that country, an amnesty for the political prisoners, and such control over the expenditure of the money as shall ensure its use for the refugees or prevent its use for maintaining the increased police force?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

Should a refugee loan for Bulgaria be floated on a guarantee from the League of Nations, it will be for the League to stipulate the conditions of issue and the uses to which the money is to be put, but I think that it may be taken for granted that if such a loan were floated its proceeds would be earmarked exclusively to refugee purposes.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

May we have it also from the tight hon. Gentleman that if such a loan should be floated, 'some stipulation will be urged by the British representative that there will be a restoration of civil law in Bulgaria and an amnesty for the 1,200 political prisoners?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

There has already been a very wide amnesty, including, I think, several thousand people. I do not think the Council of the League would be well advised to attempt to exercise control over the domestic affairs of the country, in or through such a loan proposal.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman will, as is suggested in the question, make inquiries from our Minister in Sofia whether it would not be possible to make some amelioration in these directions dependent upon our support of this refugee loan?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

No, Sir; I do not think I require any special.

Sir F. WISE

Is there any suggestion that British credits should be given in connection with this loan?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

This is really a hypothetical question, and all the questions arising out of it are hypothetical and all the answers are hypothetical, and I am not sure that any of them are in order.

Mr. RILEY

Is it the case that a loan is being raised in London for refugees in Bulgaria and, if so, what progress has been made?

Mr. SPEAKER

That question should be put down.