§ Lieut.-Colonel ARCHER-SHEEasked the Under-Secretary Of State for Foreign Affairs whether any method has been devised by which debts of British citizens owing by former Austro-Hungarian subjects can be collected, other than by private negotiations; and, if so, by what method?
Mr. HARMSWORTHDebts due to British subjects by former Austrian subjects, who under the Treaty of Peace become nationals of Allied States, can only be collected by private negotiation. With regard to debts due by persons who remain Austrians, I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade to the hon. Member for Lincoln on the 27th October and the 20th November. The collection of debts due to British subjects by Hungarian nationals is a matter which depends upon the terms of the Treaty with Hungary, with regard to which no information can at present be given.