HC Deb 16 May 1928 vol 217 cc1005-6
1. Mr. DAY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state the position at Tsinanfu; and whether any casualties have happened to the British residents?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Godfrey Locker-Lampson)

I can add nothing to the reply given on the 14th of May to my hon. Friend the Member for South-East Essex (Mr. Looker) and to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Central Newcastle (Mr. Trevelyan).

Mr. DAY

Can the hon. Gentleman say how many British residents there were at Tsinanfu on this occasion?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

No. As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has pointed out, we have no exact information, but there are very few English people, and they are quite safe.

5. Sir WALTER de FRECE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if any communications have passed between the Japanese Government and Great Britain with respect to recent developments in Northern China; if so, of what nature; and if he can make any further statement as to the position of British subjects in Tientsin and Peking?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

As regards the first part of his question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 14th of May by my right hon. Friend to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy). As regards the second part, I have nothing to add to my right hon. Friend's reply to my hon. Friend the Member for South-East Essex (Mr. Looker) on the same day.

8. Mr. THURTLE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to offer any opposition to the Chinese Southern Army's advance on and occupation of Peking?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

No, Sir.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the British military commander has stationed troops outside the International Concessions, and, if they are not there to impede the advance of the National Army, what are they there for?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

This question has relation to Peking only, and certainly it is not our intention to oppose any advance of the Southern troops on Peking. All we should take care to do would be to see that the troops did not enter the Legation quarter.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the usual and most convenient way to Peking is by way of Tientsin and that if they are held off from Tientsin they cannot advance?

Mr. SPEAKER

That question ought to be put on the Paper.