§ 42. Mr. LOOKERasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any and, if so, what British firms trading at Chingkiang are deprived of the use of their premises there by reason of such premises being occupied by Chinese troops or officials; whether any justification has been made or compensation offered in respect of such occupation; whether any steps have been taken to protest to the Nanking Government against such occupation; if so, what replies to such protests have been received; and whether the Government proposes to take any and, if so, what further steps to secure the right of the British firms concerned to reside and trade in the premises belonging to them.
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINAs I informed my hon. Friend on the 2nd of April last, British property at Chinkiang has been occupied by Chinese troops, but I have no information as to the names of the firms involved. Protests have been made against this illegality, and assurances regarding the protection of British property have been given by the Nanking Minister for Foreign Affairs, but, in view of the impotence of the civil authorities vis-à-vis the military, little value attaches to such assurances. His Majesty's Government look to the Nanking administration to fulfil their obligations in this matter, and are carefully observing their conduct with regard to it.