§ 7. Mr. HARRISasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Lord Cecil was expressing the policy of the Cabinet when he stated, in a speech 364 delivered at Trowbridge, that if the Cantonese Government would bring their dispute before the League of Nations His Majesty's Government would welcome that step; and, if so, whether this offer has been officially conveyed to the Cantonese, Government?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINI understand that what my Noble Friend said was that if the Cantonese themselves were to desire to bring the matter before the League of Nations, His Majesty's Government would desire to raise no meticulous objections, but would be only too glad to get the matter transferred to an atmosphere where a real settlement could be arrived at. This is in complete accord with the last paragraph of the statement of British policy in China addressed to the Secretary-General of the League of Nations on 8th February. The text of that paragraph was given to the House on 16th February in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Peckham (Mr. Dalton). The reply to the second part of the question is in the negative.
§ Mr. HARRISHas any communication, direct or indirect, been made to the Cantonese Government that the Government are willing to support any such claim?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINNo, Sir; no communication has been made direct to them.