HC Deb 01 May 1939 vol 346 cc1509-10W
Colonel Clarke

asked the Prime Minister whether, following upon a collision between the Cuban warship "Cuba" and the steamship "Flashlight" in the River Thames on the 31st May, 1937,the Cuban Government took such steps as would indicate that it was prepared to accept responsibility there for or at least to settle the claim of the owners of the steamship "Flashlight" upon its merits; whether any settlement of that claim has yet been effected and, if so, what is the nature of such settlement; and whether, if no such settlement has been effected, he will make strong representations to the Government of Havana to expedite such a settlement?

Mr. Butler

In July, 1938,His Majesty's Minister at Havana, acting on instructions from my Noble Friend, formally submitted this claim to the Cuban Government. Notwithstanding repeated reminders, Mr. Grant Watson has not, so far as I am aware, yet received a reply to his representations. He is, however, continuing to keep the matter before the attention of the Cuban Government, who are aware that His Majesty's Government are anxious for an early and satisfactory settlement of this long outstanding claim.