HC Deb 08 July 1925 vol 186 cc391-2
11. Mr. ROBINSON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any further information with regard to the position of affairs in China: and whether any proposals have been received from the Government of the United States of America for the convening of an international conference for the purpose of removing the special privileges that certain nationals have in the treaty ports and giving to the Chinese nation unrestricted control over any import duties that that nation may impose?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I have received no information which enables me to add anything to the accounts of the situation which I have already given or which have appeared in the Press. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

13. Mr. AMMON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that Germany, Austria and Russia have renounced their extra-territorial privileges in China; whether any reports have been received which indicate that nationals of any of those three countries have suffered from the renunciation of these privileges; and whether, in view of the necessity of restoring good feeling between Britain and China, His Majesty's Government will declare that they are prepared to discuss the renouncing of these special privileges as a step towards the recognition of the complete sovereignty of China?

48. Mr. BECKETT

asked the Prime Minister whether, inasmuch as other important European countries, notably Austria, Germany and Russia, have renounced extra-territorial privileges in China. His Majesty's Government are prepared to do likewise?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I will answer these questions together. The answers to the first and second parts of the question are in the affirmative. His Majesty's Government are not prepared to follow the example of the countries mentioned. Pending the result of the consultations now proceeding between the treaty Powers, I am not in a position to add anything to the statement on this subject which I made on the 1st July in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Dundee.