HC Deb 07 July 1931 vol 254 cc1904-6
45. Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE

asked the Prime Minister whether the British Government has made any approach to the French Government with a view of finding a way out of the deadlock which had arisen between France and the United States of America on the question of debt and reparation postponement; if so, what was the nature of the suggestion made and what reply has been received?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)

As already announced in the Press, His Majesty's Government last week approached the French and United States Governments with the suggestion that in order to hasten agreement over President Hoover's proposal they were ready to hold a meeting of the representatives of the Powers chiefly concerned at an early date in London. Both the French and United States Governments expressed their willingness to attend a meeting if direct negotiations were not in the meanwhile successful. As hon. Members are aware, these negotiations have now resulted in an agreement in principle between the United States and France, but have left open several important points which will require to be discussed between the Governments chiefly concerned. His Majesty's Government are accordingly renewing their invitation for a Conference in London.

Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the various countries concerned are in substantial agreement, or only on small details?

The PRIME MINISTER

That, I can not say. The hon. Member would do well to leave it where it is.

Brigadier-General BROWN

In regard to the points that are left open, does it mean that we may have to spend more money?

73. Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the names of the countries which have now accepted unconditionally the proposals of President Hoover with reference to reparations and inter-allied debts; those which have accepted them conditionally; and those with whom negotiations are still in progress?

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

The attitude of His Majesty's Govern- ments in the United Kingdom and in the Dominions concerned and of the Government of India is already known to hon. Members. Austria, Bulgaria, Germany and Italy have, according to the information at present available to His Majesty's Government, accepted President Hoover's proposal unconditionally. Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Greece, Japan, Poland, Portugal, Rumania and Yugoslavia have accepted in principle but have, in some cases, it is understood, attached reservations to their acceptance. Hungary has not yet replied. The negotiations which have been in progress with France have, as hon. Members will be aware, now resulted in the agreement between the French and United States Governments published this morning. No negotiations are in progress with other countries.