§ Captain W. BENNasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when the Reparation Committee will be set up to consider the claims of merchantmen interned in Germany during the War
Mr. HARMSWORTHI presume that the reference is to British merchant ships detained in German ports at the outbreak of war. The status of such vessels is defined by the Sixth Hague Convention, 1907, and I doubt whether the Reparation Commission will entertain claims arising out of their detention. The Commission is to hold its first meeting as soon as practicable alter the Treaty of Peace with Germany enters into force, but it is impossible at present to say when this will be.