§ 61. Mr. Douglas Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when he anticipates that compensation for war damage sustained in the Philippines by British concerns and provided for by Act of Congress will be paid.
§ Mr. Ernest DaviesI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him on 26th July, 1948. Representations have been made to the United States Department to secure such amendments of the Philippine Rehabilitation Act, 1946, as will make British subjects and legal persons eligible for compensation. The United States Government referred this question to the War Claims Commission, set up under the United States War Claims Act of 1948, and I understand that its report is expected to be made to Congress shortly.
§ Mr. MarshallWhat does the hon. Gentleman mean by "shortly"? He has referred to the reply given by him to me in 1948. He also gave a similar reply in 1946. In the meantime these people have had nothing.
§ Mr. DaviesI am not responsible for the speed with which United States Congress works.
§ Mr. DaviesThat matter will be decided, presumably, when the report is received by the United States Government and when action is taken by the United States Congress.