HC Deb 08 December 1937 vol 330 cc361-4
3. Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the latest information available as to the composition and position of Japanese naval, military, and air forces in the proximity of Hong Kong?

Mr. Eden

I have no statement to make on this subject.

Mr. Mander

Can the right hon. (Gentleman assure us that it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to defend Hong Kong in all circumstances?

Mr. Eden

The hon. Member must know very Well that it has been stated over and over again that His Majesty's Government will defend all British possessions wherever they may be.

4. Mr. Day

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what reply His Majesty's Government has received from the Japanese Government concerning the position of the Chinese Maritime Customs at Shanghai; and will he give particulars of the replies that have been made by the Japanese Government to similar representations made by the United States of America and French Governments?

7. Mr. Arthur Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can now make a statement as to the result of recent negotiations with the Japanese Government in respect of the Chinese Customs?

Mr. Eden

As the House is aware. His Majesty's Ambassador at Tokyo made representations on this matter to the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs at the end of November. The latter then assured him that due consideration would be given to the views of foreign Powers. Meanwhile discussions at Shanghai are still proceeding. I have received no information from the United States and French Governments with regard to replies given to their representatives.

Mr. Day

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Japanese Government now admit that foreign Governments should have some say in the matter of the Chinese Customs?

Mr. Eden

Yes. I think that is quite clear from my answer.

Mr. A. Henderson

In whose custody are the proceeds of the Customs duties now being paid in respect of goods going into China?

Mr. Eden

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that question down.

Mr. Riley

Has any consideration been given to foreign interests, as promised?

Mr. Eden

I have given the reply that has been returned. I am expecting a further reply. Meanwhile, these conversations are going on.

5. Mr. Day

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs particulars of any reports he has received from His Majesty's representative in Shanghai as to whether the restrictions have now been withdrawn that were placed upon British subjects by the Japanese authorities preventing their entering or having access to their houses or places of business in the International Settlement at Shanghai?

Mr. Eden

The most recent report which I have received shows that, while there is reason to anticipate the withdrawal of the restrictions at an early date, the Japanese military authorities have not yet announced the date of reopening. Every effort is being made, however, to hasten the issue of the necessary orders.

Mr. Day

Is it safe for British subjects to return and do business there?

Mr. Eden

That is one of the matters under consideration.

9. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of the recognition of Manchukuo as an independent State by the Italian Government in breach of its obligations under the Covenant of the League of Nations; and whether His Majesty's Government propose to take any action at Geneva in support of the protest made by the Chinese Government?

Mr. Eden

I am aware of the action to which the hon. Member refers, and which appears to be inconsistent with the recommendation of the report unanimously adopted by the Assembly of the League of Nations on 24th September, 1933. As regards the second part of the question, it does not appear that any action is called for by the terms of the protest made by the Chinese Government.

Mr. Henderson

In view of the fact that Italy is a member of the Council of the League, does the right hon. Gentleman not consider that their action justifies some notice being taken by the Council of the League?

Mr. Eden

I cannot answer for the Italian Government. The views as to their action are a matter of opinion. The protest of the Chinese Government does not call for any action.

Mr. Henderson

Is not this a matter for the League, in view of the fact that the Italian Government is a member of the Council?

Mr. Mander

Have not they done this in order to assist in the prevention of Bolshevism in Manchukuo?

10. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the failure of the Brussels Conference to recommend any action in defence of China, it is proposed to convene a meeting of the Far Eastern Advisory Committee of the League of Nations to consider the Sino-Japanese conflict in relation to the obligations of the member States of the League under the Covenant to resist Japanese aggression?

Mr. Eden

The chairman of the Far Eastern Advisory Committee has stated his intention of convoking the Committee at such time as might appear desirable, having in view the work of the Brussels Conference and taking account of any proposals which his colleagues might make to him. So far as I am aware, no Government has proposed such a meeting.

Mr. Henderson

When the meeting takes place will His Majesty's Government send its representatives there to take the lead and not to follow the hounds?

Mr. Thorne

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that the time has arrived when the Governments of the world should have a little bit more common sense?

14. Mr. McEntee

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the arrival in this country of Viscount Ishii from Japan, to conduct a propagandist mission in justification of Japan's attack on China; and whether the opportunity will be taken of his visit to demand an explanation or apology for the various attacks on British subjects or soldiers in China?

Mr. Eden

I understand that Viscount Ishii has stated that he is paying a purely private visit to Europe, and there could, therefore, be no question of making to him the representations suggested in the second half of the question. As the House is aware, representations have in any case already been made through His Majesty's Ambassador in Tokyo, who is the proper channel.