HC Deb 01 April 1913 vol 51 cc186-7
7. Mr. WALTER GUINNESS

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will state exactly and in detail what are the political conditions connected with the reorganisation loan asked for by the negotiating Powers, and also the non-political conditions?

Sir E. GREY

I can only repeat the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for the Melton Division yesterday. [See OFFICIAL REPORT, 31st March, 1913, col. 7.]

8. Mr. W. GUINNESS

asked whether there are any instances in which China has ever sought to get easy money loans on improvident terms?

Sir E. GREY

If the hon. Member refers to the statement which I made on the 27th ultimo, in reply to a question from the hon. Member for the Attercliffe Division of Sheffield, I was indicating what might happen in the future, unless Chinese finance were established on the basis which the policy of the six Powers has aimed at creating.

9. Mr. W. GUINNESS

asked whether China objected to allowing the Powers to make the appointment of the proposed foreign advisers instead of leaving it to China, who is prepared to select the best qualified men, irrespective of nationality; what Powers originally made this proposal; and whether this is the real hitch in the conclusion of the loan negotiations?

Sir E. GREY

The arrangement made with the Chinese Government was that the advisers should be selected by them in consultation with the Legations concerned. All the Powers were parties to this proposal. The difference of opinion has not been as to how foreign advisers should be appointed, but who they should be.