§ 3. Sir J. D. REESasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a controlling interest in the China Merchants' Steam Navigation Company has been acquired by mortgage by the Japanese Government, though, according to the charter of the company, no foreigner can hold shares; and, if so, in view of this fact and seeing that the control has been acquired by Japan in the case also of the Hanyehping Corporation, whether His Majesty's Government proposes to take any action to protect special British interests in the Yangtse Valley by assisting the Chinese Government with a loan for the purpose of purchasing those undertakings, or in any other manner?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Acland)The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, as far as I am aware. His Majesty's Government are fully alive to the necessity of safeguarding British interests in the Yangtse Valley, but there could be no question of His Majesty's Government furnishing a loan 1952 for the purpose mentioned by the hon. Member.
§ Sir J. D. REESMay I ask what steps the Government is taking to preserve British interests in the Yangtse Valley, and what other measure can be taken, except by assisting with a loan?
§ Mr. ACLANDI would have to give a carefully considered long statement if I were to say what steps His Majesty's Government are taking, and perhaps the hon. Gentleman would communicate with me privately.