American War Debt.

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons am ar 14 Mehefin 1933.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Sir Stafford Cripps Sir Stafford Cripps , Bristol East

I am sure that the whole House will be glad that the right hon. Gentleman has at last been able to relieve our curiosity, and will sympathise with him in his embarrassment of yesterday. I am sure the House will also desire to congratulate President Roosevelt upon the realism with which he has faced this situation, whilst we on these benches can adopt the somewhat unaccustomed role of congratulating His Majesty's Government on having arrived at a solution of this immediate payment which is satisfactory to this country and to President Roosevelt, and particularly to the right hon. Member for Hillhead (Sir R. Home). We hope that the negotiations will be entered upon with as little delay as possible and that, in view of the urgent necessity for the settlement, not only of this debt question, but of all international indebtedness, the World Economic Conference will be able to set up some means by which this matter of default by other States can be dealt with. If we are to have recurring crises in all debtor countries such as the crisis through which we have been passing during the last 48 hours, they will only make the economic recovery of the world even more impossible than it is to-day. In view of the settlement which has been announced, I do not think it would be profitable to attempt to review in any way the debt situation with America, and I will content myself with saying that we hope the right hon. Gentleman and the President of the United States will be able to arrive at a speedy and equitable solution of this problem.