HC Deb 28 November 1928 vol 223 c394
9. Mr. VIANT

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement regarding the progress of the negotiations on the tariff question between His Majesty's Government and the National Government of China; whether any negotiations are in progress on the question of extra-territoriality; and whether His Majesty's Government, in order to facilitate relations and in view of the recognition of the National Government of China by the government of the United States of America last July, will take immediate steps leading up to the full recognition of that Government?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

Negotiations with the National Government for a treaty on tariff matters are still in progress, and in the circumstances I should prefer at this stage to make no detailed statement as to the present position. No negotiations are taking place on the question of extra-territoriality. As regards recognition, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Blackpool (Sir W. de Frece) on the 14th November.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us without inconvenience whether in this matter we are co-operating with and consulting America or whether we are co-operating with and consulting Japan?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

A later question on the Paper raises that issue.