HC Deb 31 January 1945 vol 407 cc1435-6
16. Mr. Petherick

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what contribution is being made by His Majesty's Government to the expenses of the Czechoslovak Government.

Mr. Law

In December, 1940, an agreement was concluded between His Majesty's Government and the Czechoslovak Government under the terms of which His Majesty's Government granted a credit of £7½ million to the Czechoslovak Government for the maintenance of their state machinery and armed Forces in this country. Since then His Majesty's Government have granted, in October, 1942, and in October, 1944, two further credits to the Czechoslovak Government each of £5 million.

Mr. Petherick

Has the attention of my right hon. Friend been drawn to a statement which is circulating about the expenses of the Czechoslovak Government, one of the items of which is £157,000 alleged to be for the use of Dr. Benes and his court?

Mr. Law

No, Sir. I have not myself seen any such statement; I shall certainly be glad to look into it.

Viscountess Astor

Is is not a fact that in spite of these loans, Dr. Benes made a separate agreement with Russia?

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