§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that hardship is being experienced by British investors owing to the default of the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro to its obligations; that 347W no arrangements for cash payments have been made although several years have elapsed; and whether he will make representations to the Government of Brazil with a view to securing a settlement of this problem?
§ Mr. EDENThe position is, I understand, still broadly as stated in the answer which I gave to my hon. Friend on 5th April, and I fear that no useful purpose would yet be served by the action suggested by my hon. Friend. I can, however, assure him that His Majesty's Government will continue to watch the position with close attention.
§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the continued refusal of the Rio de Janeiro authorities to allow the Cantareira Company to cover the cost of providing the electric tramways and the ferry services performed at the expense of British investors; and will he now make representations to the Brazilian Government, and their financial agents in Europe, with a view to securing some return for the British capital invested in these enerprises?
§ Mr. BURNETTasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that British investors in the two Leopoldina companies and in their subsidiary, the Cantareira company, have been subjected to a grievance at the hands of the Brazilian authorities since 1911; that the Brazilian authorities investigated that grievance over a long period without agreeing to remedy it; whether the investigations have yet come to an end and, if so, with what result; and, if the case has not been met satisfactorily, will he request His Majesty's Minister in Rio de Janeiro to take suitable steps to protect British subjects against further losses?
§ Mr. EDENAs was stated on 11th July, my right hon. Friend does not consider that representations to the Brazilian Government would serve any useful purpose, pending the result of the investigation of the books of the Cantareira company, which must necessarily involve some delay. My right hon. Friend is, however, calling upon His Majesty's Ambassador at Rio de Janeiro to report what progress the Commission has made with this investigation.