§ 4. Sir CHARLES CAYZERasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs 1110 whether he will suggest to the Brazilian authorities that they should themselves impose an export sur-duty upon Brazilian coffee and fruit so that the State of Rio de Janeiro and other provincial Brazilian authorities may, with the proceeds of the duty, be able to meet their obligations now in default to British investors?
§ Sir J. SIMONI am informed that a decree fixing new conditions for the service of all the Brazilian Federal, State, and Municipal foreign loans was signed by the Provisional President yesterday. I understand that full details will be published here either this evening or to-morrow morning. In the circumstances my hon. Friend will appreciate that no useful purpose would be served by any representations to the Brazilian Government pending full consideration of the new scheme.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs this one of the Powers that defaulted in regard to meeting its liabilities to this country, which is opposite from that which exists in regard to Russia?
§ Sir J. SIMONI understand that the decree of which we have received notice is a decree under the terms of which they are preparing to meet their obligations.