HC Deb 09 July 1925 vol 186 cc608-10
81. Mr. JOHNSTON

Mr. SAMUEL

The treaty by which British extra-territorial rights in Japan were surrendered was signed on the 16th July, 1894, and the actual surrender came into force five years later. Great Britain certainly gained good will in Japan by taking the lead in this matter. As regards China, in the Mackay Treaty of 1902 and at the Washington Conference in 1922, Great Britain declared her readiness to relinquish these rights, when satisfied that the state of the Chinese laws, the arrangements for their administration and other considerations warranted her in so doing. It is self-evident that the present condition of China, as regards orderly administration and safety of life and property, compares very unfavourably with the state of Japan in 1894. I would add that His Majesty's Government consider it of great consequence that, as regards China, the Treaty Powers concerned should act together in this matter.

Mr. JOHNSTON

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the late Lord Salisbury when he abandoned extra-territorial rights in Japan, did so against the wishes, the advice and the protests of the British residents in Japan; and as the late Lord Salisbury's action has been proven right, will he not consider the abandonment of British extra-territorial claims in China?

Mr. SAMUEL

No, Sir, because as I have stated in my answer, we are unable to relinquish these rights until the conditions as to safety of life and property are suitable to our doing so.

Mr. WALLHEAD

Does not the hon. Gentleman consider that the difficulties in China arise out of the fact that we are there and remain there; and does he not think, that if the resentment caused by our presence in the Treaty ports were removed the law would become stable?

Mr. HARRIS

Is it not a fact that the Germans and Australians have relinquished their extra-territorial rights and have not suffered in consequence? [HON. MEMBERS: "And the Russians!"]

Mr. RILEY

Have the Government considered taking the initiative with the other Powers to come to an agreement upon this question?

Mr. SAMUEL

As I have said we have already announced and declared at the Washington Conference our readiness to relinquish these rights when life and property are likely to be secure. That is the chief thing. We desire to do that in company with the other Treaty Powers.

Mr. RILEY

Can the hon. Gentleman say if the Government will consider that aspect along with the other Powers?

Mr. SAMUEL

Yes, Sir, we have done so at Washington.