HC Deb 26 May 1921 vol 142 cc299-300
48. Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any further communications have passed between the British, American, and Japanese Governments regarding the island of Yap; whether such communications will, like the previous ones dealing with the subject, be published; whether the dispute is now nearer settlement; And, if so, what arrangement has been come to regarding the supervision and working of the international cable junction in the island?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

The situation is substantially the same as on 14th April, when the hon. Member for Yeovil addressed his question to the Prime Minister on the subject of Yap. I am sure that my hon. Friend will also agree that discussion in this House, whether by means of question and answer or otherwise, would not be conducive to the prospects of a settlement satisfactory to the parties concerned.

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

Is there no truth in the statement in the French Press yesterday that this matter had been settled?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

I hope that it is in process of settlement

Commander BELLAIRS

As the matter concerns this country too, will my hon. Friend say whether the Japanese Government adheres to the position that the men working these cables are to be of Japanese nationality?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

I cannot add anything to the answer which I have already given.

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