§ 6. Colonel YATEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Germans are still permitted to reside, under anti-bellum conditions, at Canton, on the Shameen, territory leased by Great Britain from China; whether the German flag is still permitted to remain flying over the German Consulate there, the German post office to remain open, and the German bank to do business and afford facilities for remittance of money to Germany; and, if so, whether steps will now be taken to exclude all Germans from the above-named British concession?
§ Lord ROBERT CECILThe answer to the first four paragraphs is in the affirmative. Though the Shameen territory has been leased by His Majesty's Government the Chinese Government retains sovereignty over it. Unless the German tenants break some provision of their lease which renders them legally liable to eviction, we have no power to turn them out by process of law. To do so by force would be a breach of the neutrality and sovereignty of China. The 1443 Government are therefore unable to adopt the suggestion in the last paragraph of the question.
§ Colonel YATEIs it not a fact that the French allow no Germans in their concessions, and is it not right that we should take the same action in China as our French Allies have taken?
§ Lord ROBERT CECILI should be glad to have notice of that question if my hon. and gallant Friend will give it.