§ 165. Mr. D. Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will now state the result of the discussions which have been taking place with the U.S.A. with regard to British concerns who have lost a substantial portion of their assets in the Philippines owing to the Japanese invasion; how these concerns are to claim compensation; and how soon they will be paid.
Mr. McNeilCompensation for war damage sustained in the Philippines is now provided for by Act of Congress, which sets up a War Damage Commission for this purpose. It is understood that this act includes individuals who have been resident in the Islands for five years or more before 7th December, 1941, and any business concern organised according to the laws of any of the several States of the United States or according to the laws of the Islands at the time of its formation. The Commission will make an announcement of the period during which claims must be filed and the manner in which they should he presented. No announcement has yet been made and I cannot therefore say how soon any compensation will be paid. Discussions between His Majesty's Government and the United States Government are continuing.