§ 17. Mr. RENNIE SMITHasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the present position with regard to negotiations for Chinese representation on the Shanghai Municipal Council?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINOn the 11th of January His Majesty's Minister reported that the Diplomatic Body had authorised the Consular Body in Shanghai to endeavour to reach an immediate temporary arrangement with the local Chinese authorities for the addition of three Chinese representatives to the Municipal Council, in anticipation of the formal steps which must be taken in order to introduce the necessary alterations in the Land Regulations.
§ Mr. SMITHHave there been any further developments in those negotiations with regard to the proportion of representation on the Shanghai Municipal Council?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINI think I must ask for notice of that question.
§ Mr. SMITHIn view of the fact that there is a majority of British representatives on the council, would the Foreign Secretary be prepared to suggest that one or two of the British Chinese representatives should stand down in favour of Chinese, in order to make negotiations more possible in the circumstances?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINPerhaps the hon. Gentleman will put his question on the Paper.