HC Deb 07 May 1935 vol 301 cc808-9
46. Sir W. DAVISON

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the present position with regard to the payment of interest on loans contracted by Germany since the war?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Chamberlain)

I would refer my hon. Friend to Article 7 of the Anglo-German Payments Agreement of 1st November, 1934 (Command Paper No. 4726).

Sir W. DAVISON

Will the right hon. Gentleman, in any negotiations with Germany, remind the German Government of the fulfilment of the payment of interest on debts to the Allies before they incur heavy expenditure in rearming?

Mr. THORNE

Would it not be better if Germany paid her debts instead of spending money on armaments?

Mr. DAVID MASON

Is the right hon. Gentleman not satisfied that to proceed by way of a clearing-house in regard to these debts would be most inadvisable?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I have always thought it inadvisable to proceed by that way if an alternative is possible.