§ Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of the steps taken at Athens in the interests of the proprietors of the Smyrna-Aidan Railway; and whether His Majesty's Government have taken, or propose to take, similar steps at Peking or at Canton in connection with the unexplained default on the Chinese bonds known as Marconi and Vickers issues?
Mr. HARMSWORTHIn consequence of the hardship inflicted on the Smyrna-Aidan Railway Company by the non-payment by the Greek authorities in Smyrna of the outstanding debt due to the company for services rendered, His Majesty's Minister at Athens was recently instructed to make representations to the Greek Government for the early settlement of that debt and for the issue of instructions to the Greek authorities at Smyrna for the prompt settlement of liabilities to the company as soon as they are incurred. I would refer my hon. and 67W gallant Friend to my reply of 16th March on the subject of the Chinese Marconi loan. His Majesty's Minister at Peking has been making similar efforts to secure the payment of interest on the Vickers issue.