§ 13. Mr. KINGasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the recognition by the United States that Japan has a special interest in China implies that Japan's right to concessions and commercial interests in China is superior to that of the other Allies; and, if so, whether the British Government has recognised the special interest of Japan in China?
Mr. BALFOURIt is not the function of His Majesty's Government to interpret what is or is not implied in agreements signed by friendly foreign Powers. With regard to the last part of the question, 361 there has been no recent change in. the attitude taken up by His Majesty's Government.
§ 14. Mr. KINGasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give information concerning the agreement recently signed by China, Japan, and the United States, by which Japan and the United States reaffirm the principle of the open door in China; whether this agreement acknowledges that all nations, including Great Britain, shall have equal access to trade in China; and whether the text of the agreement, will be published?
Mr. BALFOURHis Majesty's Government are not aware that any agreement has been signed recently by China, Japan, and the United States. The text of the Notes recently exchanged between the American and Japanese Governments was published in the " Times " of 7th November.
§ Mr. PEMBERTON BILLINGSurely it is the business of the Diplomatic Staff to find these things out, is it not?
§ Mr. KINGCan we know whether communications on this subject have passed between the British and Chinese Governments, and whether the Chinese Government is in entire agreement and supports the arrangement entered into between Japan and America?