§ 68. Mr. OLIVERasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs by what treaty the international settlement of Shanghai was established; what States are signatory to this treaty; and whether negotiations have been begun with the other signatories for the revision of the treaty?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONThe Treaty of the Bogue, 1843, having stipulated that land should be set apart for the residence of British traders, an area for a British Settlement was marked out in that year by the local authorities at Shanghai. Similar areas were set aside for the French and the Americans, who enjoyed the same treaty right. The British Settlement was subsequently thrown open to all nationalities, amalgamated with the American Settlement and enlarged, and so became the International Settlement. The Land Regulations under which the International Settlement is administered can be amended or added to by agreement between the local Chinese authorities and the Consular Body at Shanghai subject to confirmation by their respective Governments. Negotiations are at present in progress for the addition of Chinese members to the Municipal Council.
§ Mr. OLIVERMay I ask whether negotiations have been begun with the other signatories for a revision of the treaty?
Lieut.-Colonel J. WARDCan the hon. Gentleman give any explanation of the first part of his reply, in view of the 820 statement of the Washington Government that it has no concessions and no treaties connected with territory in China?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONI was going to say that, as a matter of fact, this is not the case of a treaty at all. The International Settlement was not set up by Treaty, but by certain land regulations, which were subsequently recognised as valid by the Chinese officials.