§ 48. Mr. William Teelingasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can yet make a statement concerning negotiations with France about war damage compensation to be paid to Maltese and other British subjects in Tunisia; what are the numbers demanding compensation; how much is still involved; and how much money was paid out before the Quai d'Orsay stopped further payments.
§ Mr. Ernest DaviesHis Majesty's Government are about to open negotiations with the French Government on this subject, and it is not yet possible for me to make a statement. As the hon. Member was informed in answer to his Question of 27th July, 1949, British claims notified to His Majesty's Consul-General at Tunis number 103, of which 80 are Maltese. The amount involved is stated to be approximately 41,500,000 francs. No information is available as to the amount of money paid out before the French authorities stopped further payments.
§ Mr. TeelingIs the Minister aware that many of these Maltese, who are in a very small way financially, had already been paid preliminary sums and, as a result of that, went on with the rebuilding and are now in very dire straits? It is something three years since the last payment was made by the French?
§ Mr. DaviesAs the hon. Gentleman is aware, it was at first assumed by both the French authorities and the British that the Anglo-French Reciprocal Agreement of 3rd December, 1946, was applicable to these overseas territories but, later, the French decided it was not. It is on that basis that the negotiations are now taking, place.
§ Mr. TeelingIs the Minister aware that there is no anger with the British Government about this but with the Quai d'Orsay? It is a year since I last asked a Question. Will the Minister now do something about it, as the Maltese are not rich enough to carry on?