HC Deb 21 January 1931 vol 247 cc157-8
1. Sir KINGSLEY WOOD

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any progress has been made in the settlement of the claims of British creditors against Soviet Russia; and if he will state the present position?

6. Captain PETER MACDONALD

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any progress has been made in regard to the settlement of outstanding debts due by the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics to Great Britain and to British citizens?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Dalton)

The Joint Anglo-Soviet Committee which is investigating this question has now reached an agreement regarding the functions and procedure of the subcommittees which will inquire into the various categories of claims. It has also been agreed that Sub-Committee B—which deals with the bondholders' claims and Soviet counter claims—will meet on the 26th of January, and Sub-Committee C—which deals with miscellaneous private debts, claims and counter claims on both sides—will meet early in February.

Sir K. WOOD

Can the hon. Gentleman give us any indication of when any payments are likely to be made?

Captain MACDONALD

Can the hon. Gentleman say who the chairmen of these various committees and sub-committees are to be?

Mr. DALTON

I shall be very glad to give the hon. and gallant Member that information if he will put down a question. Altogether, there are six committees to be set up.

Commander OLIVER LOCKERLAMPSON

Can there be a postponement of any loans to Soviet Russia until these claims have been met?

Mr. DALTON

I am not aware of any loans being made to Soviet Russia.

Sir WILLIAM DAVISON

Do we understand that no evidence has been taken from the claimants, and that things are still in the air?

Mr. DALTON

What I said in the answer was that the two committees are shortly going to meet. The sub-committees will determine their own procedure about taking evidence on that matter.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Is it not the case that the then British Government, to get the Russians to come into the War, promised to give them Constantinople?

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