HC Deb 01 August 1923 vol 167 cc1443-4
7. Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the conference on Customs surtax and the abolition of the likin to be held three months after the ratification of the Washington Treaty by all the Powers concerned could be enlarged so as to consider and frame general measures for the recovery of China, or whether it is proposed instead to summon a special conference of the Powers signatory to the Washington Conference to consider measures for re-establishing political and financial order in China?

Mr. McNEILL

The answer is in the negative, both the suggestions contained in the question having been rejected, after full and careful consideration.

Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURY

Is it not of vital importance that some decision should be reached by the signatory Powers in order to prevent China from descending further into the slough of despond in which she is at present?

Mr. McNEILL

Yes, I think it is.