Mr. FOOT MITCHELL(by Private Notice) asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the present position with regard to the salt gabelle in China?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Godfrey Locker-Lampson)The discussions with the Nanking authorities referred to in the answer given by my right hon. Friend to the hon. Member for South-East Essex (Mr. Looker) on the 27th of June last are still proceeding. In view of the fact that it is the aim of the Nanking Government to consolidate its position as the Nationalist Government of China, and as such to enter into friendly relations with foreign Powers, it will no doubt recognise the paramount importance of faithfully fulfilling all the obligations to which it has fallen heir. In deciding its attitude towards the Salt Administration, the Nanking Government will doubtless also bear in mind the enormous benefits conferred upon China by the reorganisation of the system of collecting salt revenues effected by Sir Richard Dane under the terms of the Loan Agreement of 1913.
§ Mr. W. THORNEMay I ask whether the right Hon. Gentleman thinks that during the life-time of this Government it will be possible to square up matters in China?
§ Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONWe all live in hopes that that will be so.