HC Deb 11 July 1932 vol 268 cc876-7
20. Sir WILLIAM DAVISON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will inform the House of the steps the Government have decided to take to secure payment from the Russian Soviet Government of the repudiated arbitral award of the 22nd September, 1930, amounting to approximately £13,000,000, in favour of Lena Goldfields, Limited; and whether the British Government will take similar action to recover this repudiated debt to British nationals as is proposed to be taken in the case of the repudiation of debt by the Government of the Irish Free State?

Sir J. SIMON

Failing a more equitable offer from the Soviet Government, His Majesty's Government will again be obliged to claim full payment of the arbitral award, and take such other action as they deem fit. The Soviet Government is being given a reasonable opportunity to increase its offer of £1,000,000. As regards the second part of the question, the two cases present different features and require different treatment.

Sir W. DAVISON

I am much obliged to my right hon. Friend for his answer, but will he bear in mind that this case has now been going on for nearly three years and that a very large sum of money is involved, quite apart from all the other Russian debts; and is not the suggestion in the latter part of the question one which might receive the consideration of the Government, as indicating a means of collecting debts which they have thought desirable in another case?

Sir J. SIMON

I would point out to my hon. Friend that there is this amount of difference. In the Irish case, the money in default has to be found by the general body of British taxpayers whereas this case, although it is very important, is, after all, a claim by the shareholders of a private company.

Mr. THORNE

Before any future action, will the matter be brought before the Cabinet and will the Cabinet report to this House before taking any decision?

Sir J. SIMON

As regards the first part of the question, serious action will not be taken without Cabinet consideration, but I could not give an undertaking as regards the second part of the question.

Sir A. KNOX

Surely, it is the duty of the Government to stand up for every Britisher's rights abroad?