§ 2.59 p.m.
VISCOUNT ELIBANKMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they can state the nature of the difficulties that have delayed the negotiations relative to the pre-war claims of British nationals against Japan, and whether those claims are any nearer settlement.]
§ THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNE)My Lords, the main difficulty has been over the terms of the discharge required by the Japanese Government. Her Majesty's Government share the disappointment of the noble Viscount at the slow rate of progress in these negotiations. I can assure your Lordships, however, that we shall go on pressing for a solution.
VISCOUNT ELIBANKMy Lords, whilst thanking the noble Marquess for his Answer, may I ask whether he is aware that these claims were filed in 1946? And is he further aware that the dilatory attitude of the Japanese Government to this matter, and the protracted negotiations, will not produce the goodwill on the part of this country towards Japan that the Japanese want?
§ THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNEYes, my Lords.