§ Major Procterasked the Prime Minister whether he has yet received full particulars of the new tariff in North China; whether he has observed its one-sided operation in favour of Japan; and what reply he has received to his protest to the Japanese Government?
§ Mr. ButlerFull particulars of the revised tariff applicable in North China have been received and were published in the Board of Trade Journal of 3rd March.
As has already been stated in this House, the new rates, which consist entirely of reductions on the rates previously in force, appear to tend to favour Japanese trade. Apart, however, from a general complaint received from a trade organisation as to the prejudice caused to British trade by present conditions in North China, no specific instances of hardship resulting from the revised tariff have so far been brought to notice.
The reply of the Japanese Government to the protest which was made to them has just been received. The Japanese Government disclaim responsibility for the revision of the Customs rates enacted by the Peking Provisional Government; and contend that a reduction of duties on a few commodities needed for rehabilitation or relief or as daily necessities was unavoidable. The reply also states that there has been no discrimination against third Powers and that the revision has had the effect of doing away with the special trade in East Hopel The reply is under consideration.
§ Mr. McEnteeasked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to publish the correspondence which has passed between the British diplomatic representatives in the Far East, the British Government, and the Japanese Government with regard to the origin, conduct, and aims of the hostilities now in progress between Japan and China?
§ Mr. ButlerVery full information has been given to the House from time to time on all that has passed, and I do not think it necessary to go further.
§ Mr. Walkdenasked the Prime Minister whether he has any information as to 1387W the numbers of civilians who have lost their lives or been injured in the hostilities in the Far East since the commencement of the present Sino-Japanese conflict?
§ Mr. ButlerI regret that this information is not available.
§ Mr. Hannahasked the Prime Minister whether he is in a position to make a statement with regard to the negotiations with the Japanese Government on the subject of maintaining the integrity of the Chinese Customs and uniform treatment of all nations?
§ Mr. ButlerThese negotiations are being actively pursued, but I have no statement to make at this stage.
§ Mr. Hannahasked the Prime Minister what has been the result of his representations to the Japanese Government on the irregular situation which exists in the collection of customs duties in Shanghai to the prejudice of non-Japanese trade and of the security for foreign loans?
§ Mr. ButlerThe Japanese Government have promised an early consideration of the reprsentations made to them, but I regret that I cannot report any improvement in the situation as yet. His Majesty's Ambassador at Tokyo is continuing to press the matter.