§ 19. Sir Edward Keelingasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what reply has been received to the representations he made some months ago to the Peruvian Government that its sterling debt should be settled without further delay.
§ The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. R. Maudling)The Peruvian Government have expressed their desire to arrive at a settlement, but negotiations to this end have not yet been opened. The Peruvian Government, however, have been left in no doubt that settlement at the earliest possible date is considered most desirable.
§ Sir E. KeelingHave the Government of Peru given any reasons for treating their dollar creditors, an agreement with whom was made many months ago, so much better than their sterling creditors?
§ Mr. MaudlingI cannot see how any reason can be put forward for discriminating between the two sets of creditors. We continue to urge on the Peruvians the importance of sending a mission to this country to negotiate an agreement.