HC Deb 05 July 1948 vol 453 cc1-2
1. Mr. John Foster

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a contribution to the International Refugee Organisation out of the rich German assets in Switzerland may be expected; and what steps are being taken to remind the Swiss Government that one of the objects of the Washington Accord of May, 1946, Command Paper No. 6884, was to enable such a contribution to be made.

The Minister of State (Mr. McNeil)

A reply to the Allied request for an advance to the International Refugee Organisation against the funds due to the Allies from German assets in Switzerland has just been given to the Allied representatives in Berne. I should not, therefore, wish to say anything more on this subject until I have had an opportunity of studying the reply.

Mr. Foster

Can the Minister give an assurance that the Government have the object of the agreement well in mind?

Mr. McNeil

Most certainly. I am equally certain that the Swiss Government have it in mind.

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