§ 9. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the general political situation in Manchuria; and what steps are being taken to safeguard British commercial rights in the province?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINOn the 20th of June, Marshal Chang Tso-lin's son, Chan Hsuch-liang, took over the post of chief military commander at Mukden, and Chang Tso-lin died at midnight on the 21st of June. Apart from this there has been no change in the political situation in Manchuria. I am not aware of any threat to British commercial interests in that province, but developments there are being closely watched.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the Foreign Secretary satisfied that British trade will go on normally? We have a very important trade in Manchuria.
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINNo, Sir. I am not satisfied that British trade or 508 any other trade will go on normally in any part of China owing to the disturbed conditions.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that a very considerable trade is being carried on with many parts of China, and it is a very valuable trade?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINI am well aware of that fact, but that is not the same thing as saying that trade in China is being conducted normally.