HC Deb 02 March 1915 vol 70 cc638-40
2. Mr. OUTHWAITE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether the demands presented by the Japanese Government to the Chinese Government in any way violate the principle of equality of economic opportunity in China in favour of Japan and infringe upon the integrity of China?

The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir E. Grey)

I must refer the hon. Member to the answer given on the 18th ultimo to the hon. Member for Wirral, that His Majesty's Government are not at present in a position to communicate information on the subject.

3. Mr. OUTHWAITE

asked whether His Majesty's Government has been informed by the Government of Japan of all the demands made upon the Chinese Government during the negotiations now proceeding; and what is the nature of these demands and the grounds on which the Chinese Government has refused to meet thom?

Sir E. GREY

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; but, as previously stated, I am not in a position to reply to the inquiries contained in the second part.

4. Mr. MOLTENO

asked whether demands have recently been made upon China by the Government of Japan to the effect that if China employs foreigners as controlling advisers in the police, military, and financial departments of the entire country Japanese shall be preferred; that half of the ammunition and arms hereafter used in China shall be purchased in Japan, otherwise an arsenal to be established in China, employing Japanese experts and materials; that China shall grant Japan the same privileges as other nations to establish missions, schools, and churches throughout the country, with the privilege of propagating Buddhism; that mining concessions conflicting with existing concessions in Hanang, Tayeh, and Pingsiang shall not be granted to other foreigners if the Chino-Japanese company to be hereafter formed shall disapprove; that certain railroad concessions, Nanchang to Chaochowfu, Nanchang to Kukiang, Nanchang to Wuchang, and Nanchang to Hanchow, be granted; and that foreigners, other than Japanese, shall be excluded from future railroad, mining, and dock-building concessions unless Japan shall give her consent?

Sir. E. GREY

I must refer the hon. Member to the previous answers which I have given on this subject. I may say, however, that some versions that have appeared of the Japanese demands are much exaggerated, and in particular the first and last demands stated in the hon. Member's question are not correct.

Sir RYLAND ADKINS

Has my right hon. Friend heard from China of these demands as well as from Japan?

Sir E. GREY

Various communications have been made from different quarters, some of them not very accurate. Will my hon. Friend please give notice of a question?

Mr. MOLTENO

Has any demand been made contrary to the Treaty with Japan?

Sir E. GREY

I cannot add to the answer I have already given.

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