§ Mr. SMITHERSasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the definite undertaking of the Soviet Government that all forms of debt would be negotiated immediately there was a resumption of diplomatic relations is mutually understood to mean that the Soviet has recognised these debts; and, if so, have any conversations taken place on the subject of debts, and what is the present position?
§ Mr. DALTONMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs described the present position of the negotiations with the Soviet Government in the course of his reply1192W to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for West Woolwich (Sir K. Wood) on 27th January. If the hon. Member will refer to that reply he will see that the negotiations with the Soviet Government have not yet reached a point at which any statement on the subject of debts could usefully or properly be made.