§ 44. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any further statement to make with regard to the political and military situation in China?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Godfrey Locker-Lampson)On the 30th of May the Northern forces commenced the evacuation of Paoting, and a military conference held that night decided on a total withdrawal along the whole front. On the 1st of June Chang Tso-lin gave a farewell interview to the Diplomatic Body, and informed them of his intention to leave the capital; he departed on the night of the 2nd of June, accompanied by the whole Cabinet, with the exceptions of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister of the Interior. A bomb was thrown at Marshal Chang Tso-lin's train just outside Mukden, and he and the Governor of Tsitsihar were both wounded. The Japanese killed two of the assailants, on whom they found bombs of Russian manufacture, with instructions from some South China organisation. A committee of elder statesmen, including two ex-Prime Ministers, has been formed to administer the city during the interregnum, and to maintain law and order. Conditions in Peking remain normal; it is not known which of the Southern leaders will take over the city, nor when this will take place.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is proposed to call a conference of the Powers to deal with the new situation, in view of the approaching government of all China by one body?
§ Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONI think it -is premature to take any steps at present.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYBut surely they are going to take some steps in the matter. Are we prepared to allow the matter to drift with these large garrisons of British troops scattered about China?
§ Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONDirectly we know what kind of Government is going to take over Peking, no doubt steps will be taken.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYThe Nanking Government.