§ 48. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the French Government have indicated any intention as to the payment of the instalment of their debt to us due next March?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINIt was arranged at the Lausanne Conference that payment of the War debts due to this country should be suspended until the coming into force of the Lausanne Agreement or until it has been decided not to ratify that Agreement. At the present stage, therefore, no question arises as regards payment of the next instalment due on the French War Debt to this country.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODAre we to understand that we have no claim upon the French Government for the money that they owe us, and that the Lausanne Agreement still stands, in spite of the fact that we have to pay America?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe right hon. and gallant Gentleman must appreciate that the question is at present in suspense. It is awaiting one or other of the two contingencies that I have mentioned, either that the Lausanne Agreement can be ratified or that a decision is reached that it will not be ratified.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODI hope the right hon. Gentleman will see to it that we do not sacrifice our rights.