§ 16. Mr. SHEPHERDasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs which Powers are still interested with our-selves in Chinese treaty ports and concessions; acid which Powers have relinquished such privileges?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINAs the Treaty Ports of China are the only places in the country where foreign merchants can reside and establish businesses, all nations having commercial relations with China are alike interested in them. Concessions exist at only a few of the Treaty Ports. The Powers, other than Great Britain, which hold such Concessions, are Japan, France, Italy and Belgium, the last named of whom has recently announced her readiness to return to China her undeveloped concession at Tientsin. The Austrian, Russian and German concessions at Tientsin and the Russian and German concession at Hankow have reverted to Chinese control.
§ Mr. RAMSAY MacDONALDAre negotiations still in progress with Mr. Chen?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINThere has been some delay, not for the first time, in the transmission of telegrams from Mr. O'Malley at Hankow, and I do not yet know what is the position, but I understand from statements that I have read in the Press that Mr. O'Malley felt it necessary to refer home for further instructions. I have had some telegrams from him, but they all relate to a telegram which only came this morning, and is not yet deciphered.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYCannot he use the wireless on our ships at Hankow?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINI think wireless has been used.
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSAre there any limitations of the rights of Chinamen in this country corresponding to the limitation of the rights of Britons in China?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINNo, Sir.
Mr. R. SMITHIn the case of those Powers which have either voluntarily or otherwise given up their privilege in China, is there any evidence that their trade has suffered in China or that they have not been deal with fairly in submitting cases in the Chinese courts?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINI have heard conflicting reports.