§ 49. Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyreasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the value of British firms and property that have been expropriated, or scheduled for expropriation by the Burmese Government.
§ Sir S. CrippsThe British interests concerned are now negotiating with the Government of Burma, and there is nothing that I can usefully say.
§ Colonel Crosthwaite-EyreDoes that answer mean that the Government are not interested in these very valuable properties? Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman give an assurance at least that should the owners of these properties approach the Government they will receive its full support?
§ Sir S. CrippsI did not say anything of the sort. What I said was that they were now negotiating with the Government of Burma, and there is nothing that I can usefully say at the moment.
§ Mr. HoggWill the right hon. and learned Gentleman give an assurance that 1376 he will at least see that the four principles which he laid down as the principles of compensation within the meaning of the Thakin U correspondence will be adhered to and insisted upon by His Majesty's Government?
§ Sir S. CrippsIf any representations are made to us subsequently we shall, of course, take them into account.
§ Mr. NicholsonDoes the Chancellor mean that the British Embassy have received no communication from these firms?
§ Sir S. CrippsAs far as I am aware, there has been no request for us to give any assistance.