HC Deb 15 March 1944 vol 398 c210
2. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if consideration has been given to a post-war policy of restitution that will be imposed upon the enemy countries; can he make a statement upon it; is it intended to avoid the results of the Versailles settlement and have restitution carried out in such a form that the people will benefit and economic equilibrium be maintained.

Mr. Eden

This matter has naturally received some preliminary consideration by His Majesty's Government, but I cannot at present make any statement on it. The policy eventually to be adopted will be for all the United Nations to settle, and a decision can hardly be reached until it is possible to appraise more definitely the economic condition and circumstances of the enemy countries at the end of hostilities.

Mr. Smith

In view of the effects on our country of the policy followed after the last war, are not preliminary discussions necessary among the United Nations, in order to find a policy that will avoid an upest of the economic balance, such as then occurred?

Mr. Eden

Yes, Sir, there has already been an exchange of views on this subject. There was an inter-Allied declaration some time ago on the subject, and the work has been going on since then.