§ 11. Mr. JOHN WILMOTasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been called to the law recently passed by the Chilean legislature regarding the sterling bonds of the Compañia de Salitre de Chile; and if he will make representations with a view to securing equitable treatment of the British holders of such bonds?
§ Sir J. SIMONI assume; that the hon. Member has in mind the Nitrate Bill which was promulgated by the Chilean Government on 6th January last. Prior to and during the passage of the legislation in question the British interests concerned made representations to the Chilean Government on the subject, with the support of His Majesty's Government where this seemed desirable. I understand that in certain instances effect has been given to these representations in the law as finally passed. In all the circumstances, I do not consider that the action suggested by the hon. Member would serve any useful purpose.