HC Deb 22 July 1926 vol 198 cc1422-3
62. Mr. MACLEAN

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in the event of negotiations with Russia being resumed, he will support the claims against Russia of British subjects who were arrested by the Soviet Government between the dates on which British naval or military forces were first landed at Murmansk, Archangel, or Vladivostok, and the date on which all assistance from Great Britain ceased to the Russian generals who were opposing by force the Soviet Government?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given yesterday to a similar question asked by the hon. Member for Penistone.

63. Sir H. BRITTAIN

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House the approximate amount of the sum raised by the Russian Government from British nationals before the War for the purpose of railway and other public utility loans; whether the interest on any of these loans is being repaid; and whether any attempts have been, or are being, made to secure a return of the capital so expended?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

The total amount of holding of pre-War Russian State and Municipal Loan registered by British claimants with the Russian Claims Department is about £40,000,000. A large proportion of these loans is understood to have been raised for public utility purposes. No interest on those loans is being repaid. In reply to the last part of the question I would observe that our claims against the Soviet Government for the payment of their predecessors' debts must necessarily form part of the negotiations for a general settlement which, as my hon. Friend is aware, have been suspended since 1924. I see no immediate prospect of their resumption.

Mr. W. THORNE

May I ask whether any real efforts are being made to try to get rid of this question once and for all?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

It has been stated several times by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs that we are awaiting certain constructive proposals from the Soviet Government.

Mr. MARCH

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us in what years these loans were applied for and obtained?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

I must have notice of that question.

Mr. THORNE

Have any constructive proposals been put forward from this side to the other side?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

Certainly. The Soviet Government know perfectly well the attitude of His Majesty's Government.

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