HC Deb 15 March 1915 vol 70 cc1726-8
1. Mr. LYNCH

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether the demands put forward by Japan to China come within the category of matters reserved for settlement at the close of the War in accordance with the joint understanding of the Allies; and whether, in that case, he will use his good offices with the Japanese Government to induce it not to proceed further with its separate negotiations with China at present?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Primrose)

One or two of the demands might possibly be considered to come within the category referred to in the question and in their connection the point raised by the hon. Member may commend itself to the parties to the negotiations.

Mr. LYNCH

May I ask whether an agreement exists already between this country and Japan?

Mr. PRIMROSE

I must have notice of that question.

2. Mr. LYNCH

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Yangtse agreement is still in force; and, it so, whether its provisions are in any degree in conflict with the claims put for ward by Japan for railway construction both in the valley of the river and in the districts of its tributaries?

Mr. PRIMROSE

I assume that the hon. Member refers in the first part of the question to the assurances received by Great Britain in 1898 in regard to the non-alienation of the Yangtse Valley. In that case, so far as I am aware, the answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

3. Mr. LYNCH

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Chinese railways, for which concessions are asked by Japan, are to be national railways, that is, owned and managed by China though built with foreign money, or whether they are to be completely foreign in all respects of construction, maintenance, supervision, and control?

Mr. PRIMROSE

I am unable to forecast what may be the outcome of the negotiations between the two countries on this point?

Mr. LYNCH

Will the hon. Member keep in mind the enormous importance of these matters to British interests in China?

Mr. PRIMROSE

I think the Foreign Office is keeping them in mind.

7. Sir WILLIAM BULL

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, if he is aware of the adverse opinion of British commercial men and firms in China to the commercial and industrial aspects of the demands put forward by Japan to China; and, if not, whether he will obtain it through the Consular officers for consideration before deciding on the policy of His Majesty's Government with regard to proposals which, in the opinion of many, would be most prejudicial to our commercial and industrial interests in the Far East?

Mr. PRIMROSE

I am aware of the uneasiness among the British commercial community generally in regard to these aspects of the demands, and His Majesty's Government will give due consideration to any representations which may be made to them.

8. Sir W. BULL

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will ascertain from his representatives in the Far East whether there is any representative organ of British opinion in China in favour of the new commercial and industrial proposals put forward by Japan; and, if so, what?

Mr. PRIMROSE

His Majesty's Minister in China keeps His Majesty's Government fully informed of the course of British public opinion there on current matters, but a copy of the hon. Member's question will be forwarded to Sir J. Jordan for a report.

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