§ MR. HOZIERI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether China has agreed, or is likely to agree, to respect the Treaty Ports in Japan as neutral ports, in the same way as Japan has agreed to respect the neutrality of the Port of Shanghai?
§ SIR E. GREYThe question has not yet arisen. Until it does, it is impossible to make any statement with regard to it.
§ MR. HOZIERWill Her Majesty's Government make a representation to China, in the interest of British merchants trading to the East?
§ SIR E. GREYIt is hoped that both belligerents will interfere with the trade of neutral Powers as little as possible, but it is most desirable that in the present situation the circumstances should be dealt with as they arise, rather than that too elaborate preparation should be asked for in advance.