§ 4. Mr. Hayasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action is being taken by the British Embassy at La Paz to recover compensation from the Bolivian Government for the seizure of foodstuffs and other merchandise from Mr. H. C. Fergusson, at Sucre, on 7th January last.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydRepresentations were made on 9th January to the Bolivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both orally and in writing, and were followed up by repeated reminders. At the beginning of this month a promise of immediate payment was made by the Permanent Undersecretary at the Bolivian Foreign Ministry. Her Majesty's Ambassador has instructions to press for the early fulfilment of this undertaking.
§ Mr. HayDoes my right hon. and learned Friend agree that this sort of treatment of British nationals does nothing whatever to improve good relations between this country and South America, and will he see that Her Majesty's Ambassador in La Paz will continue to press for payment of this compensation and for the prevention of such incidents in future?
§ Mr. LloydI quite agree with my hon. Friend as to the first part of the supplementary. As to the second part, I have covered that in my answer.