§ 59. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what extent British trade being carried on in the Yangtse-kiang valley; whether British steamers are navigating the river freely; and how far up the river they are now regularly trading?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Godfrey Locker-Lampson)During the last few months British trade in the Yangtse Valley has been very restricted by reason of civil war conditions and of the boycott that ensued on the arrival of the Cantonese Nationalist forces in that region. This applies particularly to the provinces of Hunan Hupeh and Kiangsi. British steamers are navigating the river freely and regularly as far as Hankow.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYAre we to understand that there is no trade above Hankow, and is there any trade above Ichang?
§ Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONI believe that above Hankow there is very little trade.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYCan the hon. Gentleman say whether vessels of other nations are able to go up above Hankow?
§ Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONNo; I believe not.