§ 2. Commander BELLAIRSasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Deutsche-Asiatische Bank in China has yet been liquidated; if not, whether the liquidation will take place before peace is signed; and whether there is any guarantee that China will proceed with the liquidation of the bank?
Mr. HARMSWORTHHis Majesty's Government have no recent information in regard to the progress made with the liquidation of the Deutsche-Asiatische Bank in China. His Majesty's Minister has now been asked by telegram to report on the present position.
§ 5. Mr. MURCHISONasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now in a position to say if it is proposed to cede to Belgium the late German East African territories of Ruanda and Urundi; and whether he is aware that a feeling exists, both in the House and in the country, that these territories should come under British administration?
§ 29. Mr. BETTERTONalso asked the Under-Secretary if his attention has been drawn to the proposal that Ruanda, Urundi, and Bakota should be ceded to Belgium; and whether he has taken into consideration that this cession, if made, would sever our line of communication between Egypt and the Cape, and have a serious effect upon British interests in Africa?
Mr. HARMSWORTHI regret that I am not yet in a position to make any definite statement on this matter, for the reason given in my answer to the hon. Member on 29th April.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWill the right hon. Gentleman represent the strong feeling in all parts of the House that no part of German East Africa should come under Belgian rule?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWill the hon. Gentleman lay Papers so that a discussion may take place?
Mr. HARMSWORTHA discussion on this question cannot be conveniently taken until the delegates at the Paris Conference have come to a decision.