§ Sir S. HOAREasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, as the Clearing Office (Enemy Debts) has in very many cases failed to obtain settlement of claims under Article 297 of the Treaty of Versailles, although the German Government has received the proceeds of the debts or the liquidation of the businesses concerned, the Board of Trade advises British traders to have direct recourse to the mixed Arbitral Tribunal?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONYes, Sir. I should certainly advise British traders to avail themselves of the right accorded to them by the Treaty to bring their claims direct before the mixed Arbitral Tribunal in those cases where, in spite of the constant pressure exercised by the British Clearing Office, the German authorities have unduly delayed their admission. Any amount awarded by the mixed Arbitral Tribunal to claimants as proceeds of liquidation of their property1100W in Germany will be immediately paid to them by the Clearing Office.