§ 1. Mr. KINGasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any undertaking or agreement, subsequent to the outbreak of the War, has been made between the British and Japanese Governments relative to the present or future occupation of Kiao-Chau; and, if so, whether the rature of such arrangement can be given?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir Edward Grey)(who was received with general cheers on his return after illness): I must express my grateful thanks to the House for their very kind and sympathetic welcome.
In answer to the question, I must refer the hon. Member to the reply returned to the hon. Member for Hanley on 16th March. It was in the negative.
§ 2. Mr. KINGasked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's representatives in China have received complaints or representations regarding the present difficulties or future status of British trading at Kiao-Chau; and, if so, what action has been taken?
§ Sir E. GREYThe only outstanding question affecting British trade at Kiao-Chau is that of the levying of Customs duties, in regard to which representations have been received. This matter will be disposed of when the normal Customs administration is restored, which, I hope, will shortly take place.
§ Mr. KINGMay me assume that there is no express anxiety on the part of British traders as to the future of British trade there?
§ Sir E. GREYNo, Sir; I will not say that there is no anxiety as to the future. There is always anxiety, of course, so far as the matter is not actually disposed of, and it cannot be disposed of until the normal Customs administration is restored.
§ 5. Mr. G. THORNEasked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs if he has received any 977 information regarding the recrudescence at Kiao-Chau of the trade in and consumption of opium?
§ Sir E. GREYThe answer is in the negative.