Sir F. HALLasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that a Treaty of Peace has now been signed with Turkey, he will say what arrangements have been made to secure to British creditors the sums due for reparation for goods destroyed during the War?
§ Mr. RONALD McNEILLUnder Article 58 of the Lausanne Treaty, Turkey and the other Contracting Powers, except Greece, agree reciprocally to renounce all pecuniary claims for loss and damage, suffered respectively by Turkey and these 1737W Powers and by their nationals between 1st August, 1914, and the coming into force of the Treaty as a result of acts of war or measures of requisition, sequestration, disposal or confiscation. British sufferers may present claims for loss during the War to the Separation Claims Department, Board of Trade, for registration with a view to participation in the sum of £T5,000,000 in gold, transferred to the Allies under the Treaties with Germany and Austria, and to which Turkey, by Article 58 of the Lausanne Treaty, has renounced all claim.
§ Sir E. STOCKTONasked the Prime Minister if he can now give a general idea as to the manner in which the Lausanne Treaty of Peace has protected the interests of British claimants against Turkey, many of whom have waited five years for some settlement, and would naturally be reassured by such information if it can be given?
§ The PRIME MINISTERUnder Article 58 of the Lausanne Treaty, Turkey and the other Contracting Powers, except, Greece, agree reciprocally to renounce all pecuniary claims for loss and damage suffered respectively by Turkey and these Powers and by their nationals between August, 1914, and the coming into force of the Treaty as a result of acts of war or measures of requisition, sequestration, disposal or confiscation. British sufferers may present claims for loss during the War to the Reparation Claims Department, Board of Trade, for investigation and assessment, with a view to participation in the sum of £T5,000,000 in gold, transferred to the Allies under the Treaties with Germany and Austria, and to which Turkey, by Article 58 of the Lausanne Treaty, has renounced all claim. British claimants whose claims arose out of loss caused before the War are protected under Article 71 of the Treaty of Lausanne, which provides that such claims may be continued against the Turkish Government under the conditions existing before 29th October, 1914, due regard being had to the abolition of the Capitulations.