HC Deb 16 February 1927 vol 202 cc904-6
12. Mr. R. SMITH

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in regard to the Chinese situation, he will now consider the desirability of applying Article 11 of the Covenant, so that the League can take any action that may be deemed wise and effectual to safeguard the peace of nations?

15. Mr. DALTON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the statement of Mr. Chu at Geneva that he is authorised to speak for both the Pekin and the Canton Governments; and whether, in view of this statement, he will now bring the question of Anglo-Chinese relations before the Council of the League?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

I will answer these questions together. I have seen in the Press the statement to which the hon Member for Peckham (Mr. Dalton) refers. His Majesty's Government have already made a full statement to the League of Nations of their policy in China, in a letter to the Secretary-General, dated the 8th February, which was published in the Press in this country on the 12th February. The last paragraph of that letter reads: His Majesty's Government have felt it right to make this communication to the League of Nations so that its members may have before them a full statement of His Majesty's Government's policy in China and may understand how completely it is in accord with both the letter and the spirit of the Covenant. His Majesty's Government deeply regret, that there does not appear to be any way in which the assistance of the League in the settlement of the difficulties in China can be sought at present. But, if any opportunity should arise of invoking the good offices of the League, His Majesty's Government will gladly avail themselves of it. To the view there expressed His Majesty's Government have nothing to add.

Mr. DALTON

Has the right hon. Gentleman been able to get into touch with Mr. Chu with regard to the pospossibility of a new situation having arisen?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

No, Sir. I have not endeavoured to communicate with him or be with me.

Mr. MOSLEY

Does the right hon. Gentleman not consider that a new situation has arisen now that there is a Chinese representative at Geneva able to speak for the whole of China?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

I am not aware that he is able to speak for any Government having authority throughout China.

Mr. MOSLEY

Has the right hon. Gentleman made any inquiry into this claim?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

Yes, I did make inquiries on one occasion, which was after his extraordinary outburst last September, when he attacked the British Government, and was replied to by my Noble Friend Lord Cecil. I was then informed by the Government at Peking that he was not acting upon instructions.

Mr. J. HUDSON

Is it not the case that when he was said to have made an extraordinary outburst he was attempt-in o- to make a statement with regard to Wanhsien which the Government has since made no attempt to correct by issuing a White Paper?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

My Noble Friend Lord Cecil said all that was necessary at the moment with regard to the intervention of Mr. Chu, which was in defiance of the rules of the society, as was pointed out by the President of the Assembly at the next sitting.