§ 1. Sir Nicholas Grattan-Doyleasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will inform the Brazilian Government that, whatever the terms may be upon which the Aranha-Boucas unilateral arrangement is to be renewed, the four times repeated repudiation of public contractual obligations has caused such losses to British creditors of Brazil as to nullify the benefit of British export trade to Brazil; and will he request full reinstatement of Brazilian debt services to British subjects?
§ The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Eden)As my hon. Friend was informed on 6th April last, the Council of Foreign Bondholders are in negotiation with the Brazilian Government in this matter. No request for assistance has been received from the Council by His Majesty's Government.
§ Sir N. Grattan-DoyleCannot pressure in some direction be brought to bear?
§ Mr. EdenMy hon. Friend will appreciate that this is, in the first instance, a matter for the Council of Foreign Bondholders. His Majesty's Government are perfectly willing to give any help if it is asked for, but it has not been asked for.
§ Sir N. Grattan-DoyleCannot the Government do something to improve the position?