§ 34. Mr. LOOKERasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House particulars of the composition of the proposed new body which is to administer the British con- 1374 cessions at Hankow and Kiukiang; and what proportion of such body will consist of British subjects?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINAs I explained in my speech in this House on the 10th February, the proposed new body for the administration of the British concession at Hankow would be a Sino-British municipality, modelled on that already existing in the former German concession. It would consist of Chinese and British members, the Chinese having a casting vote. The new municipal administration for the British concession at Kiukiang would be similar in character.
§ Mr. LOOKERMay I ask whether in the Agreement which has been negotiated the rights of private property in Hankow, and the position in future of the old staffs of municipal concessions, are fully protected?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINI must have notice of that question.
§ Mr. RENNIE SMITHMay I ask whether the arrangements now proposed under these negotiations at Hankow could be applied, and would be recommended by the Foreign Secretary, in the case of the Shanghai negotiations?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINShanghai is an international concession where many other nations are concerned. The Hankow concession with which we were dealing was a purely British concession.
§ Brigadier-General CHARTERISMay I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman has any information as to how these proposals are being received by the local British people in Hankow—whether they approve of them or not?
§ Mr. KIRKWOODI would like to know how they are being received by the Chinese?
§ Mr. LOOKERMay I ask whether, as soon as any agreement has been signed in Hankow, it will be published at as early a date as possible?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThere is another Question on that point.