§ 2. Mr. Tomlinsonasked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government propose to offer financial assistance to the National Relief Commission of the Chinese Government, in view of the beneficent work accomplished, as shown in the report lately issued?
§ Mr. ButlerThrough their contribution to the League of Nations His Majesty's 1692 Government already contribute towards the anti-epidemiological work of the League in China.
§ Mr. TomlinsonWill the Government be prepared to consider further assistance if an appeal is made through the League of Nations?
§ Mr. ButlerIf it is made through the League of Nations we shall always be ready to consider it.
§ 11. Sir John Wardlaw-Milneasked the Prime Minister whether any previous notice of their intention to land troops or occupy the Island of Hainan was given by the Japanese authorities either to this country or France; and whether any undertaking regarding the duration of that occupation has been received?
§ Mr. ButlerThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The Japanese Government have stated that they have no territorial designs and that the occupation of the island will not last longer than is required by military needs.
§ Sir J. Wardlaw-MilneHave the Government considered in these circumstances the desirability of sending a British warship, or even landing a British force, to protect British interests in the Island of Hainan, seeing that in view of the statement which they have made the Japanese authorities could not reasonably object to it?
§ Mr. ButlerI should want notice of that question.
§ Sir Archibald SinclairAre we to understand that the Government accept the Japanese Government's reply and propose to acquiesce in the occupation of Hainan for the duration of the war?
§ Mr. ButlerI have answered the question upon the Paper, which asked whether any undertaking regarding the duration of the occupation of Hainan had been received, and I have given the House the information in my possession.
§ Sir A. SinclairAre the Government asking for a further undertaking?
§ Sir J. Wardlaw-MilneIs it the case that the United States Government have already sent a warship to Hainan?
§ Mr. ButlerI am afraid I cannot answer as to that.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerDid not the Japanese give the same undertaking respecting Manchuria in 1931?
§ 17. Captain Alan Grahamasked the Prime Minister whether British ships are now allowed free access to the port of Tsingtao by the Japanese authorities, and, if not, what action he has taken to protect British interests?
§ Mr. ButlerNo, Sir. Fresh representations were recently made to the Japanese Government, and His Majesty's Consul-General and the local British naval authorities are continuing to press for the reopening of the port.
§ 18. Captain Grahamasked the Prime Minister whether he will now proceed to active collaboration with the Government of the French Republic to terminate as quickly as possible the Japanese occupation of the island of Hainan and thus remove this menace to both British and French possessions and trade in the Far East?
§ Mr. ButlerHis Majesty's Government and the French Government are in constant communication regarding the most appropriate methods of safeguarding their common interests in the South China Seas.
§ 19. Captain Grahamasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the increasing acts of aggression by Japanese naval and military authorities against British trade in the Far East, he will forthwith denounce the Anglo-Japanese Trade Treaty of 1911?
§ Mr. ButlerHis Majesty's Government have under constant review the measures which may be regarded as best calculated to protect British interests in the Far East.
§ Captain GrahamIs it not patent that all protests in this matter are ineffective, and that the only weapon which brings any satisfaction is some form of retaliatory action?
§ Mr. ButlerI would not regard that as the only method of achieving useful results.
Miss RathboneCan the Japanese authorities be expected to pay greater attention to the protests of His Majesty's 1694 Government than General Franco has done?
§ 26. Sir Charles Cayzerasked the Prime Minister how British action, based on the resolution of the League of Nations in favour of the grant of maximum assistance to China, compares with that taken by the other Powers which adhered to the resolution; and whether he can give details?
§ Mr. ButlerSince the League resolution did not call for a report from individual members, I am unable to make the comparison desired
§ Sir C. CayzerIn view of the great disparity between the amounts contributed by the United States of America and by members of the League of Nations for the assistance of the Chinese Government, can my right hon. Friend offer any hope that in the near future the British Government will take the initiative in pressing for further assistance to the Chinese Government?
§ Mr. ButlerIf the hon. Gentleman will consult the proceedings of the League Council which I attended he will see the attitude of His Majesty's Government set out there.
§ 28. Sir J. Wardlaw-Milneasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the present position which exists in connection with passenger transport between Hankow and Shanghai, in which only Japanese transport is available and the allocation to British subjects for the necessary passages is insignificant, although German subjects experience little difficulty; what action the Government is taking in the matter; and whether they will inaugurate a gunboat passenger service, as in the case of the Pearl River or, alternatively, utilise merchant ships under the white ensign?
§ Mr. ButlerI am aware of the difficulties to which my hon. Friend refers, though reports received do not indicate discrimination in favour of German nationals. As I informed my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Chertsey (Commander Marsden) on 6th February, further representations were made to the Japanese Government on 14th January last. The proposals mentioned in the last part of the question as well as other suggestions are receiving consideration.