HC Deb 03 August 1925 vol 187 c948
29. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any portion of the former Colony of Wei-Hai-Wei is in British possession; whether any British naval establishments remain there; and what is the situation with regard to its return to the Chinese Government?

Mr. McNEILL

The leased territory of Wei-Hai-Wei is still administered by His Majesty's Government. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the third part, the question is in suspense for the moment owing to the provisional character of the present Chinese Government.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Was not the original arrangement that we were to hand back this territory when the Japanese evacuated certain territories in Shantung, and how is it that this new position has arisen?

Mr. McNEILL

I have already told the hon. and gallant Member and the House that it is owing to the provisional nature of the Government in China.