§ Mr. C. BATHURSTasked whether, in view of the fact that hostilities in China have now ceased and that German, Japanese, and other foreign traders are doing a large business in the sale of arms and ammunition to the new Chinese Government, he proposes now to remove the restrictions which were imposed last November by the British Government upon the importation by British subjects of munitions of war, and so put British commerce in this respect on an equality with that of other nations?
§ Sir E. GREYI am not aware that any restrictions have been imposed such as the hon. Member mentions. His Majesty's Government have gone no further than to offer advice to British subjects not to take part in the trade in arms and ammunition during the revolutionary struggle in China, as such participation was likely to create difficulty with one or other of the parties engaged in that struggle and to be detrimental to British interests. I have no knowledge of any 1694 case in which this advice has been given since the issue of the edict announcing the abdication of the Emperor.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTWill the right hon. Gentleman make clear to the British representative that no such restriction at present exists on British traders?
§ Sir E. GREYI will consider that point.