47. Mr. De la Bèasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is prepared to consider endeavouring to effect an arrangement that Britain should settle her war debt to the United States of America on the basis of a 50-year loan, arranged in the United States, having due regard to Britain's capacity to pay?
§ Mr. ChamberlainAs stated in the Note addressed to the United States Government on 10th December, 1936, His Majesty's Government will be ready to re-open discussions on the settlement of the British War Debt whenever circumstances are such as to warrant the hope that a satisfactory result might be reached. I am not prepared to express any opinion at the present time in regard to methods of settlement.
Mr. De la BèIs not the right hon. Gentleman compelled to admit responsibility for what has been taking place in these negotiations during the last few weeks?
§ Captain Sir William BrassIs not one of the great difficulties the fact that the United States will not accept imports from our country?
§ Mr. BellengerWill any settlement that takes place be comprehensive, including I he debts owed to this country?
§ Mr. ChamberlainThat is a hypothetical question.
§ Mr. ThorneWill not the right hon. Gentleman say to other countries: "If the American Government are prepared to give Europe a clean slate, are you prepared to give us a clean slate?