§ 52. Rear-Admiral SUETERasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that more than a year has elapsed since negotiations were opened with the Brazilian authorities responsible for the default on the State of Rio de Janeiro loans held by British investors; is he aware that they have received no income and no offer of payment since the default; and what steps he is taking to assist British investors, as the London representatives of the bondholders have failed to obtain redress from the Rio de Janeiro authorities?
§ Sir J. SIMONI am aware that the position is as stated by my hon. and gallant Friend. I understand, however, that the representative of the official fiscal agents for the British investors in these loans is still in Rio de Janeiro, where he is making every effort on behalf of the British interests involved. He is in constant communication with the agents in London, who are in turn keeping the Foreign Office informed. I do not consider any further action desirable at this time.
§ 58. Mr. LEWISasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will undertake that no trade agreement will be signed with the Latvian trade delegation until a satisfactory settlement has been made with the bondholders of the city of Riga 4½ per cent. loan?
§ Sir J. SIMONI cannot give any undertaking in such a case; but I can assure my hon. Friend that the matter of the loan has not been lost sight of.