HC Deb 05 May 1926 vol 195 cc267-8
8. Sir FREDRIC WISE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the position of the Government in regard to the 1855 Guaranteed Ottoman 4 Per Cent. Loan and the Cyprus Tribute?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

His Majesty's Government trust that the decision of the Mixed Court of Appeal in the cases of the 1891 and 1894 loans will induce the Egyptian Government to release the sums which are due by them in respect of the 1855 loan and which up till now have been placed in a blocked account. No communication, however, has as yet been received from the Egyptian Government on this subject.

Sir F. WISE

May I ask whether the French have paid their portion of this loan?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

I am afraid I must have notice of that question.

38. Sir F. WISE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the Government will be relieved of any financial charge owing to the successful appeal in favour of the holders of Ottoman bonds secured on the Egyptian tribute?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

The case won by the bondholders on appeal in the Egyptian Mixed Courts related to the loans of 1891 and 1894, which are not guaranteed by His Majesty's Government, and accordingly the resumption of payments for the service of these two loans will not relieve His Majesty's Government of any financial charge.