§ 8. Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Consortium is making, or has made, any efforts to afford financial assistance to China during the present crisis?
§ Mr. McNEILLI would refer to the answer given on the 14th May to the hon. Member for Wirrall. The Consortium representatives at Peking are at present examining the question of the consolidation of China's existing unsecured obligations, which must be a necessary first step towards the putting in order of Chinese finances. Pending the outcome of this examination, His Majesty's Government deprecate any proposals for making fresh loans to China.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINDoes not the right hon. Gentleman agree that a good deal has happened since the middle of May, and the position is desperate?
§ Mr. McNEILLI think that rather reinforces my answer.