10. Mr. W. FOOT MITCHELLasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the total amount of British capital loaned to China and secured on Chinese revenues administered by the Imperial Martime Customs; whether there is any safeguard for payment, in most cases, other than the Imperial Maritime Customs; and whether, in view of the proposed attempt to expel all foreigners, he can make any statement as to British policy on this issue?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONThe outstanding amount of that portion of the three Chinese Government loans secured on the revenues of the Martime Customs which was floated on the London market is about 14½ million sterling The total British holdings in all such loans of whatever issue are impossible to determine, but may perhaps be estimated at 20 millions. Under present conditions there is no other source from which payment could be made except the Customs revenues. His Majesty's Government have every desire to see the maintenance intact of the Maritime Customs administration, whose excellent services to the Chinese nation as a whole they believe are fully appreciated in that country.