HC Deb 09 December 1926 vol 200 cc2283-4
50. Lieut.-Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALL

asked the Prime Minister whether the pronouncement by the British Minister to China that there could he no question of intervention by Great Britain in the internal affairs of China was made on the instructions of the Government?

UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Godfrey Locker-Lampson)

I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Minister has on various occasions made it quite clear that the Government have no intention of interfering in the domestic concerns of China, and the statement made by Mr. Lampson is in accordance with that policy.

Sir F. HALL

Can the hon. Gentleman state whether adequate steps will be taken to protect the lives of people in China, and also for the maintenance of our general trade in that country?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

My right hon. Friend on various occasions has made it quite clear that we shall take all possible steps to safeguard the lives of British subjects in China—

Sir F. HALL

And the maintenance of the trade which has been built up in China?

Captain BENN

Do the Government share the view of Lord Inchcape that the root of all the trouble is the spread of Christianity?