§ 9. Sir BERTRAM FALLEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will represent to the Chilean Government that steps should be taken to terminate without further delay the default to British holders of Chilean securities of the obligations in respect of sinking funds and interest payments?
§ Mr. EDENThe Chilean Government have declared that their object in suspending foreign remittances is to maintain the stability of the currency. I understand that the matter has not been lost sight of by the interested parties, and sympathetic consideration will be given here to any efforts to safeguard the interests involved. My right hon. Friend does not propose to address any representations to the Chilean Government at the present moment, but he will continue to watch the situation with a view to taking any action that may be called for by further developments.
§ Captain PETER MACDONALDCan my hon. Friend say what has been the record in the past with regard to finance?
§ Mr. EDENI believe that this is the first occasion on which the Government of Chile have not been able to meet their obligations on foreign debts, and we are consequently confident that the Chilean Government will be eager to resume their good record at the first opportunity.