HC Deb 23 February 1927 vol 202 cc1738-9
20. Captain GARRO-JONES

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs which European countries are parties to the China Arms Embargo Agreement of May, 1919; and with which country or countries have there arisen differences in the interpretation of the agreement?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

The following countries are parties to the Agreement; Great Britain, Spain, Portugal, United States of America, Brazil, France, Japan, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark. The object of the Agreement was to restrain the nationals of the Powers concerned from importing into China arms and munitions of war and material destined exclusively for their manufacture. Differences of opinion have arisen as to the degree of strictness with which these terms should be interpreted. The French and Italian Governments have asserted their freedom to export aircraft to China, and Denmark has exported machinery to be used for arsenal equipment.

Captain GARRO-JONES

May I ask whether any country has exported aeroplanes or aeroplane armaments to the Cantonese forces?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

Oh, yes, Sir. I think Russia undoubtedly has.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Are we to understand that aeroplanes have actually been sent by France and Italy to the Cantonese forces?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

I cannot say whether, up to the present time, anything is being supplied. But to distinguish between civil and military aircraft is a very difficult thing, as those who have given attention to the subject know; and some difference of opinion arose between us and other Powers as to what were to be considered military aircraft, and what were not. I believe that aircraft have been supplied to the Peking Government by some of the Powers concerned.

Captain GARRO-JONES

May I ask whether the French and Italian Governments are asserting their freedom to export aeroplanes to China, including freedom to export aeroplanes to the Cantonese forces?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

It is not a question of exporting to this force or to that, but of exporting to China.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is not the complaint against Russia that she is arming the Cantonese?