§ Mr. HOLMESasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that the resumption of trading relations with Russia has already been encouraged by the British Government, and considering the amount of Russian indebtedness, both public and private, still outstanding under claims made by British subjects domiciled both in Russia and in this country, consideration has been given to the necessity of 2001W providing in any arrangement or understanding arrived at with any government in Russia for the inclusion of definite clauses ensuring that all debts due to British firms, companies, or individuals from Russian governments, companies, firms, or individuals shall be duly recognised and re-imbursed, and that all property rights in Russia of British firms, etc., shall be recognised, and compensation given for any damages incurred, and furthermore that the procedure to give effect to these provisoes shall be indicated by the contracting parties to such arrangement or understanding; and, in such cases, whether it is recognised that British interests cannot be properly safeguarded unless such debts are made payable at the rate of exchange ruling on 4th August, 1914, as was the case with Germany.
Mr. HARMSWORTHBoth the practical and legal aspects of this question are occupying the serious attention of His Majesty's Government, but it would be premature to make any announcement until the discussions for re-opening of trade with Russia have made further progress.