HC Deb 07 July 1920 vol 131 cc1442-3
45. Mr. MACLEAN

asked the Prime Minister whether the signatories to the Peace Treaty have embodied in the Treaty their full obligations; and whether Japan has done so or whether her representatives refused to state the intentions of Japan regarding Shantung?

Mr. BONAR LAW

With regard to the first part of the question, it is outside the functions of His Majesty's Government to make any statement on behalf of other signatories to the Treaty of Peace; but as far as His Majesty's Government are concerned, the answer is in the affirmative. For the reply to the second part of the question, I have to refer the hon. Member to an official statement made by the Japanese Peace Delegates in the European Press on or about the 2nd May, 1919, and to a further official statement of the Japanese Government, which also appeared in the Press of August 6th, 1919.

46. Mr. MACLEAN

asked the Prime Minister whether there is in existence any secret agreement or commitment between Japan and the Governments of Great Britain, France, and Italy by which these Governments have agreed to support Japan's claim to Shantung?

Mr. BONAR LAW

In reply to the hon. Member's question, His Majesty's Government cannot undertake to make any statement on behalf of the other Governments mentioned. The commitments of His Majesty's Government to Japan regarding Shantung are contained in Articles 156–158 of the Treaty of Peace.

47. Mr. MACLEAN

asked the Prime Minister whether China offered to sign the Treaty of Peace provided the Council of Four would guarantee to hear China's case regarding Japan and Shantung; and whether he can state if the Allied Council declined to accept the offer of China?

Mr. BONAR LAW

So far as His Majesty's Government are aware, the Chinese Government instructed their delegates at Paris to sign the Treaty as it stands In reply to the second part of the hon. Member's question, I regret that I am not in a position to give him the information he desires, as, by a decision of the Powers at the Peace Conference, the proceedings cannot be divulged.

Mr. MACLEAN

Does not the decision that was come to involve a violation of the statement made during the War that agreements would be openly come to?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I never heard of any commitment that there would be no negotiations conducted in private.