§ 13. Mr. TREVELYANasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, seeing that the Chinese Chamber of Commerce at Shanghai has protested to His Majesty's Minister to China against aeroplane flights over Chinese territory, he will state if these flights have been made over fortified areas and districts where fighting is progressing; and, if so, whether His Majesty's Government will issue instructions for the flights to be discontinued?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINI have no information as to the reported protest from the Chinese Chamber of Commerce.
The Naval Commander-in-Chief has been authorised to use his aircraft in whatever way he thinks most desirable for the defence of the International Settlement at Shanghai. It was foreseen that this might necessarily involve flights over fortified areas and districts where fighting is in progress.
Mr. BECKETTIs it the view of the right hon. Gentleman's expert advisers on air matters that aeroplanes can be used for defence in this way?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINYes, Sir. If it were not the view of those most competent to express an opinion, they would not be so used.
Mr. BECKETTHas it not been stated in this House, and in White Papers, again and again, that the only form of defence in the air is counter-attack?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINThe hon. Member misunderstands me.