BRITISH CLAIMS AND COUNTERCLAIMS.

HC Deb 14 May 1930 vol 238 cc1851-2

15. Mr. SMITHERS

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in view of the declared policy of the Government that a recognition of agreements regarding the payment of debts is of the essence of civilised relationships, and in view of the fact that His Majesty's Government obtained a definite commitment from the Soviet Government that negotiations shall take place immediately on the resumption of full diplomatic relations under the Protocol of 3rd October, 1929, if he will state if these conditions are still the policy of His Majesty's Government; what are the causes of the delay in the settlement of debts and claims; and will he stated what material progress, if any, has been made to that end?

Mr. DALTON

The present position was described by my right hon. Friend on the 5th of May. There has been no departure from the procedure laid down in the Protocol of the 3rd of October. Moreover, in view of the complexity of the questions involved and the need for a careful approach to the question of debts, claims and counterclaims, His Majesty's Government cannot admit that there has been any avoidable delay in the negotiations.

Mr. SMITHERS

Does not the hon. Gentleman think—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"] Is it not a fact that these questions of debts and claims are perfectly simple questions to decide and—

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a matter of opinion.

Mr. H. GIBSON

Was anything done in this matter between the years 1924 and 1929?

18. Sir WILLIAM DAVISON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the claim made by the Russian Soviet Government on China in respect of debts due to the late Tsarist Government in connection with the Chinese Eastern Railway; and whether he has brought this matter to the attention of the Soviet Ambassador in connection with his negotiations for the payment of debts due to British creditors, and with what result?

Mr. DALTON

I have seen Press reports of the nature to which the hon. Member refers in the first part of the question. The reply to the second part of the question is in the negative.