§ Captain RANKINasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Germans are being, or have been, supplied with phospates from Ocean Island; if so, on what terms the phosphates are being, or have been, supplied; in what form is payment made by Germany; and what is the nationality of the ships conveying the phosphates to Germany?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLSince the phosphate industry in Ocean Island and Nauru came under the control of the Commissioners appointed under the Nauru Island Agreement, several cargoes of phosphate have been shipped from those islands to Germany in British or Japanese vessels. I am informed that these cargoes were sold at the best price obtainable, in accordance with the terms of Article 11 of the Agreement, through agents in London who have arranged and guaranteed payment therefor.