§ 42. Sir W. Teelingasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the present position of the negotiations for the settlement of the Baltic Bondholders' claims, the Hungarian Bondholders' claims, and the policy of Her Majesty's Government towards Soviet bloc countries claims; and if he will receive a deputation to discuss these matters.
§ Mr. PadleyNegotiations with the Soviet Government on outstanding post-1939 claims on both sides were resumed in Moscow on 13th October and continued until 1st November, when it was agreed to have an interval to enable both delegations to report to their respective Governments.
On the Bonded Debt claims against Hungary, I have nothing to add to my Written Answer of 26th October.
The policy of Her Majesty's Government towards financial claims against the Soviet Union and the countries of Eastern Europe, and towards any claims they have against us, is the same as our policy towards any other country, namely, to try to reach a satisfactory settlement as soon as possible.
On the hon. Member's last point, there are many people who have an interest 682 in these various claims. I hope to get into touch with the hon. Member soon about the possibility of a deputation being received at the Foreign Office.
§ Sir W. TeelingI thank the hon. Gentleman for that reply. With regard to the Hungarians, I fully realise that the matter is still confidential, but will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that, according to my information, the Hungarians are prepared fully to service the loans which they received after the First World War from us, and since we are not pressing the Russians at the moment on the pre-First World War Czarist Bond problems, will he deal similarly with the Hungarian post-1919-20 problem and clear that before going on to the pre-First War debts?
§ Mr. PadleySince the Hungarian discussions have been confidential, it would be much better if at present I said no more about the matter.