HC Deb 10 February 1932 vol 261 cc826-7
Mr. COCKS

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many protests have been made by His Majesty's Government this year respecting Japanese action at Shanghai and Nanking; and with what result?

Mr. EDEN

Even were it practically possible to give such figures as the hon. Member asks for, I do not think that such enumeration or classification would assist the efforts toward a settlement which, as I have just informed the hon. Member, are continuing.

Mr. COCKS

Is it a fact that the Japanese Government is treating this country with the utmost contempt, and is that because Mr. Yoshizawa has taken the measure of the Foreign Secretary?

Mr. EDEN

I cannot accept either part of the hon. Gentleman's question.

Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOX

Will the hon. Gentleman be careful not to be drawn into war in the Far East, led by our British pacifists?

13. Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the policy of the Government during the last few months on the subject of Japanese action in the Far East has been taken in all cases with the knowledge and approval of the Dominions?

Mr. EDEN

The statement which I made on the 4th of February in reply to my hon. and gallant Friend, the Member for North-East Bethnal Green (Major Nathan) in regard to the situation at Shanghai, is equally applicable to the developments of the last few months.

Mr. MANDER

Are the Dominions being continuously consulted about every question of policy which arises?

Mr. EDEN

The Dominions are being informed, both by telegraphic communication from the Foreign Office and by direct communication from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs at Geneva.

Mr. MANDER

Is "informed" quite the same as "consulted"? I asked if they were being consulted.

Mr. EDEN

Full information is being given, and I have no reason to doubt that the Dominions are in general agreement with the policy which we are pursuing.