HC Deb 21 November 1917 vol 99 cc1160-1
10. Mr. KING

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Chinese Government has announced that it does not recognise the recent American-Japanese agreement as binding upon China; and, if so, whether the good offices of the British Government are available to prevent any difficulties between China and any other Allied States?

The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Balfour)

The Chinese Government have communicated to His Majesty's Government the text of a declaration which they have addressed to the Japanese Government and the United States Government in regard to the Notes recently exchanged between those two Governments. I do not understand this declaration of principle by the Chinese Government to mean that they do not recognise the American-Japanese Agreement, and His Majesty's Government have no reason to anticipate that it will give rise to any difficulties between the Chinese Government and any other Allied State.

Mr. KING

Will this declaration of the Chinese Government be published, or alternatively, a copy laid in the Library?

Mr. BALFOUR

If that is to be done, I should prefer to ask permission of the Chinese Government.

Mr. KING

Will the right hon. Gentleman kindly do so?

Mr. BALFOUR

Perhaps I will.

Mr. KING

How soon will he be able to make up his mind on this? Will there be his usual delay?

Mr. BALFOUR

To what delay does the hon. Member refer?