71. Mr. BECKETTasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that after the shootings in connection with the workers' and students' demonstrations in Shanghai wholesale arrests were made, and there were house-to-house searches among the whole of the Chinese population in the international settlement; and whether he will state under whose authority and for what purpose this action was taken against the Chinese population?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINNo doubt such arrests and searches were made as the police authorities thought proper in the circumstances, but as the Chinese population in the international settlement is some three-quarters of a million the statement in the first part of the question must, I would suggest, be exaggerated. Any measures of the kind would have been taken under the authority of the municipal council, and would not have been directed against the Chinese population, but towards the maintenance of order and justice in the interest of all residents, whether Chinese or foreign.
Mr. BECKETTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this statement was publicly made by the ex-President of the Supreme Court?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am not aware that this statement was made by the gentleman in question, but I adhere to my statement, which I think is correct.
§ Mr. HARRISCan the right hon. Gentleman say who is directly responsible for the police? Who is in command, to give orders?
§ Major CRAWFURDHas the right hon. Gentleman any idea when we shall be able to have some authentic and definite information in regard to what has happened at Shanghai?
§ 76. Mr. R. MORRISONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the composition of the diplomatic commission appointed to inquire into the Shanghai disturbances; whether Great Britain is represented on the commission: and, if not, what is the reason?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe composition of the diplomatic commission appointed to inquire into the Shanghai disturbances was stated in the reply given on the 1st July to the hon. Member for Acton. That commission has returned to Peking and has submitted its report to the diplomatic body, who have entrusted the conduct of further negotiations with the Chinese Government to the senior (Italian) Minister, assisted by the French Minister and the United States Charge d'Affaires. Nothing will be decided 32 without the consent of all heads of Legations.
§ Mr. MACKINDERIs any meeting called by the diplomatic body called by the senior representative in Shanghai?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI imagine that the senior member of the diplomatic body would call a meeting at the request of any of his colleagues. The meeting would be called by the senior member.
§ Mr. MACKINDERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that no such meeting was called by the senior member of the diplomatic corps?
§ Mr. TREVELYANWill any action be taken on the Report without reference to the home Governments?
§ Mr. MACKINDERWill the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries to see whether the meetings of the diplomatic corps have been called by the senior member in the usual manner?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI do not understand the hon. Member's question. In this matter the whole of the diplomatic corps with a single exception are acting together, and it is usual in such circumstances that the doyen of the corps at the place concerned summonses the conference and presides.
§ Mr. MACKINDERWill the right hon. Gentleman explain—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member had better put down a question.