HC Deb 26 February 1946 vol 419 cc1743-4
56. Mr. Keeling

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the prospects of the resumption of service of the Japanese loans.

Mr. Dalton

Not very bright, I should imagine.

Mr. Keeling

Will the Government do everything in their power to promote the resumption of payments?

Mr. Dalton

I cannot imagine why any Britisher should own Japanese bonds at all.

Mr. Eden

However strongly I may sympathise with the right hon. Gentleman's statement in this matter, is it not to our interest that we should try to get the payments on this loan?

Mr. Dalton

There is a much longer list of stronger claimants than the owners of Japanese bonds. If there is anything to be screwed out of the Japanese there are many stronger claimants than the owners of prewar Japanese bonds.

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