HC Deb 06 June 1932 vol 266 c1574
14. Read-Admiral SUETER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the nominal total in sterling of the defaulted obligations of the Chilean Government issued in London?

Sir J. SIMON

I am not prepared to make an official estimate, but, as was explained on the 23rd November last in answer to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Chislehurst (Mr. Smithers), in respect of Mexican Government securities, my hon. and gallant Friend can obtain considerable, though not necessarily complete, information by application to the Council of Foreign Bondholders.

15. Rear-Admiral SUETER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is now in a position to report what progress has been made by the Chilean Government towards meeting their liabilities in respect of loans borrowed from British investors?

Sir J. SIMON

So far as I am aware no progress has been made since the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Tynemouth (Mr. A. W. Russell) on the 7th April last.

Mr. HANNON

Is the right hon. Gentleman taking any steps in order to secure some possible settlement of these claims even at a remote time?

Sir J. SIMON

The Foreign Office is in close touch with the Council of Foreign Bondholders, and I know that the council have formed a Chilean Committee expressly for the purpose.

Mr. TURTON

Can the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs say whether he can confirm or deny any of the rumours which are going around about this question since the change of Government in Chile on Saturday?

Sir J. SIMON

I must ask for notice of that question.