HC Deb 17 February 1932 vol 261 cc1621-2
9. Sir WILLIAM DAVISON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when he expects to be in a position to inform the House of the steps which the Government now propose to take in order to secure payment for British nationals of the debts due to them from the Russian Soviet Government?

Sir J. SIMON

I am not able at present to add anything to the full statements made to my hon. Friend by myself on the 2nd February, and by the Under-Secretary, on my behalf, on the 8th February.

Sir W. DAVISON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the strong feeling of indignation among thousands of British nationals at the continued delay in settling these British debts, while at the same time the British Government are giving credits to and have resumed relations with the Government in question?

Sir J. SIMON

My hon. Friend will, I am sure, realise that this is the third time he has put a question on this matter, very properly, within a single month, and I do not think that within the range of these three answers I can add anything.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Can the right hon. Gentleman indicate how any country can pay its debts without selling its goods?

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Will the Foreign Secretary see that the same pressure is brought to bear upon Brazil as it is sought to bring to bear upon Russia?

Lieut.-Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the great feeling that there is in this country on this subject, and can he give any indication of the date when he hopes to be able to inform the House of the results of the steps that the Government have already taken?

Sir J. SIMON

I assure the hon. and gallant Member that I am fully aware of the strength of feeling, but I cannot add to my answer to-day.