§ 4. Sir NICHOLAS GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will explain the steps he is taking to recover the £512,187 4s. 9d. due from the Greek Government to Great Britain in respect of an old guarantee by the British Government; and whether he has brought the matter before those experts of the League of Nations who 350 advised upon the recent Greek loans issued under the supervision of the League of Nations?
§ Sir J. SIMONBy a convention concluded in 1860 between the Greek Government and the Governments which had guaranteed the loan of 1832 the Greek Government are liable to pay £12,000 annually to His Majesty's Government to be applied in reduction of the capital sum outstanding. The instalment due on the 31st December, 1932, has not yet been received and correspondence is taking place with the Greek Government with regard thereto. The answer to the second part of the question is in the. negative.
§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLESince" this question has been outstanding for such a long time will my right hon. Friend give me an assurance that all possible steps are being taken to hasten a conclusion?
§ Mr. HANNONCan my right hon. Friend tell the House that he hopes that the whole loan will be discharged?
§ Sir J. SIMONAs regards the last question I cannot answer it. I have not examined the exact terms of the loan. The only instalment, I think, which has not been paid is this last one. My hon. Friends may be assured that the Treasury of this country is taking active steps to make representations to the authorities concerned in this matter.