§ Mr. THURTLEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if His Majesty's Government is prepared to negotiate a settlement of the debt owing to this country by Russia on terms similar in principle to those agreed upon with Italy?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLHis Majesty's Government would certainly be willing to negotiate a settlement of any debt due to this country. The Soviet Government, however, has made no definite proposals for such a settlement, and it would be premature for me to say at present what, terms I should consider acceptable. In addition to the "War debt" of £756,705,000 due to this country, there are also in the case of Russia very large private claims which require to be settled.