§ 51. Mr. LAMBERTasked the Prime Minister if he is aware that Count Uchida, the Foreign Minister for Japan, 1026 has expressed the opinion in a public interview that the establishment of a new naval base at Singapore conflicted in many ways with the spirit of the Washington Agreement, and for which there was nothing in Anglo-Japanese relations to require such an extensive undertaking; and whether he will enter into a frank discussion with the Japanese Government before finally committing the country to this large expenditure?
§ The PRIME MINISTERCount Uchida was incorrectly reported. It is now officially denied that he stated that the Singapore base conflicted with the spirit of the Washington Treaties. His Majesty's Government do not consider that any useful purpose would be served by raising a discussion with the Japanese Government on this subject. During the Washington Conference they made it 'clear that they reserved their liberty of action at Singapore, and this was fully understood by the other Governments concerned.
§ Mr. LAMBERTConsidering that trade is so bad, and this base will cost so much money, is it not possible to postpone it for a time?
§ Captain BERKELEYIs it a fact that the Japanese Minister stated that, owing to the proximity of the proposed dock to Formosa, it will be necessary for Japan to take special defensive measures?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have not seen that.
Captain BENNCan the right hon. Gentleman say exactly what he meant when he said, "they made it clear that they reserved their liberty of action at Singapore"? Was there any document or statement made which could be published?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo; not that I know.
§ Mr. MOSLEYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it was stated in the recent Debate that the matter was not discussed at Washington, and that they were not informed?