§ 43. Sir BERTRAM FALLEasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the number of men from Newfoundland who volunteered for the great War; the amount of money borrowed from this country by Newfoundland to pay these men and other war expenses; and if any reduction of that debt has been granted, in capital or interest, to Newfoundland as it has been to some European countries?
Mr. J. H. THOMASI understand that the total number of men from Newfoundland who served in all forces during the great War is estimated at 15,000. The total amount of advances made by His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom to His Majesty's Government in Newfoundland for war purposes was £400,000. Following on the Hoover moratorium, Newfoundland was offered and accepted a suspension of interest payments in respect of these advances during the year 1st July, 1931, to 30th June, 1932, and this suspension has been continued since the Lausanne Conference of 1932.
§ Sir B. FALLEDo I understand that nothing has been taken off the debt—that no reduction of the debt has been made —and that these people, who came to our assistance, have now, to use the right hon. Gentleman's own words, to feed the British baby?
Mr. THOMASNo such deduction and nothing so mischievous can be allowed to go forth. Every obligation that we made to Newfoundland has been honourably observed.
§ Sir B. FALLEMy point was as to whether, in regard to the obligations of Newfoundland, we were calling upon them to pay to the last penny after having given up so much to other nations.