HC Deb 25 April 1932 vol 265 c16
22. Sir ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUEL

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why His Majesty's Government has submtited thus far to the detention by German banks of British funds passing through their hands in transit from Hungary to London; and, in view of the impossibility of transacting trade with Germany in these circumstances, will he insist on the British-owned funds being restored by the German banks?

Sir J. SIMON

My hon. Friend is not correct in implying that His Majesty's Government have submitted to the detention of these funds. This matter has already been the subject of correspondence with the German Government. Every possible measure is being taken to protect the interests of the British bondholders, and further representations were made to the German Government on the 21st April.

Sir A. M. SAMUEL

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this is an instance of the German principle called force majeure once more creeping into international relations?