§ 50. Mr. J. Fosterasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, what representations he has made to the Portuguese Government concerning their holdings of gold looted by the Nazis from our Allies; whether he will state the estimated value of such looted gold as is known to be held by the Portuguese Government; and what has been the outcome of these representations.
§ Mr. MayhewDuring the past three years His Majesty's Government have, with the French and United States Governments, made representations to the Portuguese Government with a view to obtaining restitution of this looted gold. The precise amount held by Portugal has not been finally established, but it is thought that it reaches a total of 43.9 tons of fine gold. His Majesty's Government greatly regret that these representations have so far been unavailing. Discussions are now in progress with the French and United States Governments in regard to further action in this matter.