HC Deb 03 May 1927 vol 205 cc1448-9
40. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the interference in trade, the barbed wire fence and guard surrounding the settlement at Shanghai is to be maintained; and whether this is a matter for the decision of the Shanghai Council or for the Commander-in-Chief, or for His Majesty's Government?

Captain MARGESSON (for Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSON)

The fences erected for the protection of the international settlement at Shanghai must be maintained as long as the General Officer Commanding considers them necessary. He will, I have no doubt, take into consideration any representations which may be made to him locally and do whatever is possible with due regard to military needs to mitigate whatever inconvenience is caused by these necessary precautions.