67.
asked the Tinder-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that in cases where the property of English traders in Russia has been stolen by that Government, the Russian creditors necessarily left unpaid are now taking proceedings against the English firms in this country; whether there is no means of preventing such proceedings or directing that the amount of the debt should be set off against the assets in Russia of such English firms; and whether, if there is no legislation at prevent available, the Government will take steps to safeguard the interests of British subjects in this respect?
A case has been brought to my notice of the nature outlined in the first part of the question; I regret that there is no means of preventing the proceedings. As regards the question of any future action it is not possible to make a statement at this juncture; the question will, however, be submitted for consideration without delay to the British experts now assembled at The Hague.
Can the hon. Gentleman state to how many States or Governments could this epithet "stolen property" be applied since the Armistice?
No, Sir. I have no information.