§ 3. Mr. HANNONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in the interests of British exporters, he will issue instructions to the British Legation in Peking to co-operate with the Legations of the signatories of the Nine-Power Customs Treaty to ensure the ratification of Article VIII of the Mackay Treaty?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Ponsonby)If, as I assume, the hon. Member refers to the fact that Article 8 of the Mackay Treaty, providing for the abolition of "likin," has not in fact been carried out by the Chinese authorities, I can assure him that His Majesty's Government are fully alive to the importance of the matter. They are indeed at present in consultation with His Majesty's Minister at Peking as to the best means of dealing with this question at the special Conference to be held in pursuance of the Nine-Power Customs Treaty, but it must be realised that great difficulties exist owing to the present disorganised conditions in China and the lack of control of the Central Government over many of the provincial authorities.
§ Mr. HANNONDoes the hon. Gentleman realise the real gravity of the situation created by this new Chinese law with regard to British trade in China, if it becomes operative will he do his best to get the co-operation of the other foreign Powers to see that this law does not become operative?