§ 108. Mr. LOOKERasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of existing conditions in China, he will refrain from proceeding further with any negotiations which would hand over the protection of British subjects and British interests in the British concessions and foreign settlements in China to an administration which is not under British or foreign control until events have proved that they can safely be resumed?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONI would refer my hon. Friend to the replies returned to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Chelmsford on 21st March, and to my Noble Friend the Member for Weston-super-Mare on 28th March.
§ Mr. LOOKERAre we to understand that those replies extend to the further negotiations regarding the future of any British concessions?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONMy right hon. Friend has already pointed out that we do not propose in the least to go back on our statements that we have already made to the Northern and Southern Governments, but in regard to Shanghai, we do not think the present moment is a suitable one for negotiations.
§ Mr. LOOKERAre we to understand that the Department propose to proceed further with those negotiations at present about other British Concessions?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONThis question was very fully dealt with by my right hon. Friend a few days ago, and I really do not think I can add anything to his statement.