§ 5. Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the pledge which the Hupeh Government gave that no further change would be made in the administration of the former concessions in Hankow, and of the fact that the action of the Hankow authorities in regard to the ex-German and ex-Russian concessions constitutes a breach of the undertaking, he will state what action he is taking to safeguard British interests in those areas?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINI am not aware of any such pledge given by the Hupeh Government regarding the ex-German and ex-Russian concessions at Hankow. The question of the cancellation of the constitutions of these districts is being taken up with the National Government by His Majesty's Minister, who is stating the objections to the 1098 retrograde step taken by the Wuhan authorities and urging reconsideration thereof, with the idea of preserving some form of foreign representation in the administration.
§ Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEIs it not the case that the changes which have taken place are very much against British interests in Hankow?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINI think the Minister would not be making representations if he thought that the changes were favourable to British or foreign interests. I hope a friendly settlement will be reached in due course.