§ 7. Mr. STEWARTasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any information as to affairs in China at the present time; 1281 and whether peace has been arranged between the various contending parties?
Mr. HARMSWORTHPresident Hsu Shih-chang having resigned his office on 2nd June, General Li Yuan-Hung on 11th June took up the duties of President of the Republic. The new President has appointed a Cabinet of Acting Ministers, with Dr. Yen as Acting Premier and Minister for Foreign Affairs.
The latest report received is to the effect that fighting in North China has temporarily ceased, and that an armistice was arranged on the 16th instant between delegates from Generals Wu Pei fu and Chang Tso-lin, who met on board H.M.S. "Curlew" at Chinwangtao. It is hoped that further discussion between the delegates will result in definite peace between the belligerents.
In South China Press reports indicate that fighting between Chen Chiung-ming and Sun Yat-sen has resulted in the defeat of the latter, who is said to have taken refuge on a Chinese man-of-war. A later report states that a truce has been arranged between the contending parties.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODHas the hon. Gentleman any knowledge of any post in the Government being taken by Mr. Wellington Koo?
Mr. HARMSWORTHNo, I have no information to that effect, but I will inquire, if the hon. and gallant Member desires me to do so.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the hon. Member aware that many congratulations are due to His Majesty's Government for bringing about peace, or the beginnings of peace, in at any rate one country?
§ 8. Sir WALTER de FRECEasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what date is fixed for the withdrawal of British post offices from China as agreed on at Washington; whether Japan has already withdrawn most of hers; and whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to imitate this example?
Mr. HARMSWORTHThe Washington Resolution provides for the abolition of the post offices at latest by 1st January, 1923. The necessary arrangements are 1282 accordingly being made for the withdrawal of the British post offices by that date. His Majesty's Government have no information as to the present position in regard to the withdrawal of Japanese past offices.