HC Deb 20 April 1931 vol 251 cc586-7
28. Sir W. DAVISON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can now give the House particulars of the reply of the Russian Soviet Government to the representations made by His Majesty's Government with reference to the non-payment of the arbitral award to Lena Goldfields, Limited, given on 2nd September, 1930, as well as the result of any subsequent negotiations?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

Developments are now taking place which render it inadvisable, both in my opinion and in that of the company themselves, to make any further statement.

Sir W. DAVISON

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that he will be in a position to make a statement soon, because all the facts were inquired into by this Judicial Committee, who made their awards in September last?

Mr. HENDERSON

I cannot say how soon, but, as I have already informed the House, I am keeping in the closest touch with the company whose interests are involved, and I will not make a statement until they are satisfied that it is time to do so.

Sir K. WOOD

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that there are public interests involved in this matter?

Mr. HENDERSON

I realise that fully.