CONFISCATION

Hokitika Guardian, 29 November 1929, Page 6

CONFISCATION

OF EX-ENEMY PROPERTY

| United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.]

LONDON, November 28

In the Lords, Lord Buckmaster in a heated speech again directed attention to the confiscation of ex-enemy subjects’ property. He said: “I have .tried to see this thing from every; viewpoint, which is riot reflecting deep, indelible disgrace on this country. If we attack a whole nation, the latter can defend itself, but we have selected -a few people,- whose only crime was that they belonged to the conquered race, and we stripped them as bare of their property as the Bolsheviks did Russia.” ‘ Lord Pannoor said that doubtless there had been hard cases, but Lord Buckmaster had grossly exaggerated the seriousness off the position, and had used language that was bound to create Anglo-Gennan friction. Hr Snowden (Chancellor.of the Exchequer), had most clearly explained why these claims could not be re-opened. Lord Salisbury said that, for the first time in his life time, he believed that a Socialist Government had done the right thing. Lord Darling said that the Government had nowise broken its contract. Mr ‘Snowden had put the legal, position in an unassailable way. The Government might be generous, as well as just, in hard cases.

Lord Buckmaster said that he was amazed at the change in Lord Parinoor’s tone on this subject since he was in opposition. Lord Buckmaster added: “My words may he uncomfortable, hut they at least are unalterable ! ” The discussion then ended.