HC Deb 08 March 1927 vol 203 cc1022-3
75. Captain GARRO-JONES

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any negotiations have been commenced with the Cantonese authorities to meet the situation in the neighbourhood of Shanghai?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

As was stated in the reply given on 21st February to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Platting and to my hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff East, declarations were made by Mr. Chen and Mr. O'Malley on 19th February regarding the policy of the Nationalist Government towards British and other concessions and international settlements in China. Apart from this there have been no negotiations with the Cantonese authorities regarding Shanghai.

Captain GARRO-JONES

Has the hon. Member given up the idea of attempting a settlement by negotiation, and can he say whether there is anyone on the spot who is empowered to treat with the Cantonese authorities?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

We are always ready to negotiate, but I do not think we can possibly shift the responsibility of protecting the lives of our own subjects upon the shoulders of anyone else. In regard to the last part of the Supplementary Question, I would say that our Consul-General in Shanghai will be on the spot to carry out any negotiations that may be necessary.

Captain GARRO-JONES

I did not suggest that the responsibility should be shifted. I want to ask whether the Consul-General or anyone else is expressly empowered to negotiate with the Cantonese authorities? Is he a plenipotentiary?

Mr. H. WILLIAMS

Does the Minister regard it as the proper thing to negotiate with people in regard to a city when, they are not in possession of that city?

Captain GARRO-JONES rose

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Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. and gallant Member's questions are hypothetical.

Captain GARRO-JONES

With respect, I have not put hypothetical questions. I want to know whether there is anyone on the spot empowered to negotiate, and I have not had an answer.

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

I am ready to answer that question. Our Consul-General in Shanghai is empowered, if he thinks fit and it becomes necessary, to carry out negotiations with either of the contending parties.