§ 23. Mr. COCKSasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information regarding Japanese military operations south of the Great Wall of China?
§ Sir J. SIMONI am informed that Shihmenchai, a village lying between the Great Wall and Chinwangtao, was evacuated by Chinese, and occupied by Japanese troops on the 1st of April; there is reported also to have been fighting between that place and the coast, but the facts are not clear. The Chinese regular troops are reported to have withdrawn to the west of Tangho, the railway junction for Chinwangtao.
§ Mr. COCKSIs the right hon. Gentleman taking any steps to protect British interests in that neighbourhood, particularly the interests of the British Kailan Mining Assbciation; and how long is the invasion of a peaceful country to continue?
§ Sir J. SIMONI am unable to answer the second part of the supplementary question of the hon. Gentleman. As regards the first part of the supplementary question, close attention has been paid to the question of protecting British interests.