§ 24. Sir WILLIAM DAVISONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can now inform the House of the steps which the Government intend to take in order to secure payment for British nationals of the debts due to them from the Russian Soviet Government?
§ Sir J. SIMONI have nothing to add to the replies given to my hon. Friend on the 8th of February. The matter is under constant review, and if my hon. Friend can suggest any practicable scheme for obtaining a settlement by unilateral action, I shall be happy to consider it.
§ Sir W. DAVISONDoes not the right hon. Gentleman remember that diplomatic relations were resumed on the distinct understanding that this question of debt should be dealt with and that no proposal whatever has been made; and does he not think that some strong representation should be made that diplomatic relations cannot be continued if the Soviet Government do not fulfil what they said they would do?
§ Sir J. SIMONMy hon. Friend will see that the question is, what steps should be taken to secure payment of debts? I shall be very glad if he will give me any practical suggestions to obtain that settlement.
§ Sir W. DAVISONDoes not the right bon. Gentleman think that if the trade agreement were withdrawn it would have a very material effect in securing payment of some of the debts at any rate?