HC Deb 30 June 1913 vol 54 cc1456-7
2. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

asked whether in all treaties with China and in other public documents, and in the British Consulates and other British Government offices in China, where the Chinese character is used, the term Great Britain is translated by Imperial England; and whether the Government intend to take any steps to secure that in future a representative and proper term shall be used in accordance with the first article of the Treaty of Union between Scotland and England?

Mr. ACLAND

I am unable to reply to the first part of the question, but I will make inquiry. I would, however, point out that it is the custom now to provide in treaties and conventions concluded with China that in the event of there being any difference of meaning between the English and Chinese texts the sense as expressed in the English text shall be held to be the correct sense. By the words, "the English text," I mean the text written in the English language, and intend no disrespect to the hon. Member's native country.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

Would it not be as well in the Chinese text when the United Kingdom is meant to say the United Kingdom instead of England?

Mr.ACLAND

I believe that in the Chinese text the word is a Chinese and not an English word,and therefore they can not say"United Kingdom."

3. Mr.MacCALLUM SCOTT

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the Chinese expression which is used as equivalent to the United Kingdom or to Great Britain in treaties with China and other public documents in which the Chinese character is used; and what is the exact English translation of that Chinese term?

Mr.ACLAND

I cannot give the hon. Member the information for which he asks. I will, however, obtain it from His Majesty's representative at Peking if the hon. Member wishes.

Mr.MacCALLUM SCOTT

Can the hon. Gentleman say the length of time which it will take?

Mr.ACLAND

The usual time which it takes to send a letter in the ordinary Course.

Mr.MacCALLUM SCOTT

May I ask whether there is no one in the Foreign Office who is acquainted with the correct Chinese expression for United Kingdom?

Mr.ACLAND

I think they are probably acquainted with the expression, but we do not know how the Chinese Government would be able authoritatively to interpret the expression.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

Does the Foreign Office not approve of the translations of these treaties?

Mr.SPEAKER

I would remind the hon. Member that there are ninety-seven important questions on the Paper.