§ Mr. G. Straussasked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether he is aware of the danger that arises to British interests by the transfer of the German populations in the Baltic countries to Germany, and the consequential acquisition by the German Government of the substantial foreign assets which previously belonged to the transferred individuals; and whether he will immediately enter into trading negotiations with these countries with a view to postponing the transfer of their assets to Germany?
§ Mr. CrossI am fully aware of the considerations to which the hon. Member calls attention. Trade Agreements with Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are already in existence and we have every intention of maintaining our trade with these countries, so far as possible. I do not think the procedure suggested by the hon. Member is practicable in present circumstances.