HC Deb 04 November 1929 vol 231 cc579-80
19. Mr. WARDLAW-MILNE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House any information as to the present situation in China, and particularly as to what extent the national Government has the country under unified control?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

As the answer to the first part of this question is rather long, I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

With regard to the second part of the question, apart from the areas in Honan and Hunan occupied by insurgents, the authority of the Central Government is acknowledged throughout the whole of China. In so vast a country it is difficult to say how effective this authority is, but necessarily it must be less effective in some parts than in others.

Following is the answer:

Towards the end of September General Chang Fa-kuei, stationed at Ichang, revolted against the Central Government and marched south through Hunan to Kwangsi, the capital of which province fell to him without serious loss. He was subsequently forced to withdraw to Hunan again, but, according to a recent unconfirmed report, has now invaded North-West Kwangtung.

This rising was followed by one in Honan, where one of Feng Yu-hsiangi's generals issued, early in October, a manifesto denouncing the Central Government. No leading militarist has aligned himself with the insurgents, who have not made any considerable progress. Chiang Kai-shek left for the front on 28th October, and has arrived at Hankow. It is believed that his policy is to remain on the defensive.

No progress has been made towards the solution of the Sino-Soviet question regarding the Chinese Eastern Railway. There have been no major military operations, but frontier raids have been carried out at intervals by Soviet forces. The Manchurian authorities are now endeavouring to negotiate a direct settlement with Moscow, apparently with the cognisance of Nanking.

Apart from the areas in Honan and Hunan occupied by insurgents, the authority of the Central Government is acknowledged throughout the whole of China. In so vast a country it is difficult to say how effective this authority is, but necessarily it must be less effective in some parts than in others.