§ 3. Sir J. D. REESasked if the recognition by Great Britain of the Republic of China depends on a general formal confirmation by the Republic of the existing rights, privileges, and immunities resulting from treaties and established customs and usages enjoyed by British subjects, or whether specific definition of such rights, privileges, and immunities will be required?
§ Mr. ACLANDAs at present advised His Majesty's Government consider a formal confirmation desirable.
§ Sir J. D. REESI do not think the right hon. Gentleman has answered the latter part of the question.
§ Mr. ACLANDI think the hon. Gentleman's question is put in the form of an alternative, "formal confirmation, or specific definition," and I have said that we consider a formal definition desirable.
§ Mr. WATTCan the hon. Gentleman say whether the United States have recogised the Republic of China, and whether the same arguments would not apply to recognition by this country?
§ Mr. ACLANDThis country is rather in a different position to the United States in regard to its trade and treaty rights in China. We did know that the Government of the United States intended to recognise the Republic. I do not think we have heard whether they have done so or not.