§ Mr. LANSBURY(by Private Notice) asked the Lord President of the Council what protest has been made by His Majesty's Government against the use of the Japanese section of the International Settlement in Shanghai as a base of operations by Japanese forces; and whether it has been decided to use British troops to prevent any approach to the Japanese base by Chinese forces in their efforts to repel Japanese attacks?
§ Mr. BALDWINHis Majesty's Government have on three occasions made it clear to the Japanese Government that they could not approve of the use of the Settlement except for defensive purposes. As regards the second part of the question, the role of the British forces is strictly confined to the defence of the Settlement.
§ Mr. LANSBURYIn saying that, does the right hon. Gentleman mean that section of the International Settlement which is occupied by the British; or does he include in that statement the Japanese portion of the Settlement?
§ Mr. BALDWINAs the right hon. Gentleman knows, it is a very difficult matter to make a strict demarcation between the different parts of the Settlement. My words cover what is generally known as the International Settlement.
§ Mr. LANSBURYHas the right hon. Gentleman considered the fact that, if his statement means that British troops will be used to repel a Chinese attack on the Japanese in their own section of the Settlement, it immediately places Great Britain on the side of Japan?
§ Mr. BALDWINThe right hon. Gentleman must not think that in any way I am trying either to hedge or to mislead. Our aim all the time is to bring about a peaceful settlement between the Japanese and Chinese, and to avoid embroiling ourselves with either side.
§ Mr. LANSBURYI hope that the right hon. Gentleman and the House will allow me to say that I have not the slightest doubt that what he has just told us is correct, namely, that His Majesty's Government do not desire to be embroiled in the dispute; but may I put it to the right hon. Gentleman that it is a very dangerous situation when a portion of the International Settlement is used as a base for the Japanese forces to operate against the Chinese? Is there not any power in the world, either in the League of Nations or by the Nine-Power Pact—[Interruption]—it would not be a laughing matter if we were engaged in a war again. Is there any power, either through the League of Nations, or those Powers that signed the Nine-Power Pact, or in any way, to persuade the Japanese to use some other part of China in order to attack the Chinese?
§ Mr. BALDWINI have every sympathy with the motive which inspires the right hon. Gentleman's question. It is perfectly right that the situation is a very delicate and anxious one, but I can assure him that His Majesty's Government and all the Powers interested are doing everything they can day by day to bring about a peaceful settlement of one of the most difficult situations that has existed in recent times.
§ Mr. LANSBURYI am not going to pursue the matter, but I am going, with your permission, Mr. Speaker, to enter a protest against the hilarity of the House.