§ 14. Mr. TAYLORasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can make any statement on the progress of the debt settlement negotiations between France and Russia; and whether the Russian representatives have put forward any proposals which would be acceptable as a basis for the reopening of negotiations for the settlement of the debt between Great Britain and Russia?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINThe negotiations for a debt settlement between France and Russia are still proceeding, but I have no information of any proposals put forward by the Russian representatives 365 which would be acceptable as a basis for the reopening of negotiations for the settlement of the debt between Great Britain and Russia, even were such negotations possible in present circumstances.
§ Mr. TAYLORWill the right hon. Gentleman take an early opportunity of laying down categorically the conditions which he regards as precedent to negotiations for a settlement of this difficulty between ourselves and Russia?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINNo, Sir, I do not think I could usefully add anything to what I have said at different times to the Soviet representatives in this country, as will appear when my despatches are laid as promised.
§ Mr. TAYLORCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether in the French negotiations Russia has recognised the principle of trade debts?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINWhat debts?
§ Mr. TAYLORThe principle of debts arising out of trade.
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINI do not know what is meant by "the principle of debts arising out of trade." I do not understand the hon. Member's question.
§ Mr. TAYLORMay I explain that French firms, like English firms, have lost money as the result of trading operations where the debts—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech!"]
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe question had better be put down. We cannot have explanations of questions at Question time.