HC Deb 23 September 1931 vol 256 cc1619-20
1. Mr. DAY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs particulars of the most recent report he has received on the conditions in China?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Captain Eden)

Full reports on conditions in China are reaching my Noble Friend daily. The salient points are as follow: Cantonese forces have advanced northwards towards the positions held by the National Government's troops, but no actual hostilities have occurred, and a report received to-day indicates that there has been a partial withdrawal of Cantonese forces. The floods in the Yangtse Valley and elsewhere are reported to be subsiding, but some weeks are expected to elapse before the inundated districts are clear of water. On the 18th and 19th of September Japanese troops guarding the South Manchurian Railway occupied Mukden and other towns on or near this railway line. The circumstances in which this action was taken have not yet been definitely established.

Mr. DAY

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say where- the National Government are now situated?

Mr. MARLEY

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman tell us whether these events have affected Southwark?

Mr. ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUEL

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman he able to make a statement as to the position of Mukden?

Captain EDEN

I understand that the Chinese Government have brought the matter before the Council of the League of Nations and that it is being discussed there to-day.