§ 5. Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can give the terms of the instructions given to Sir Miles Lampson in initiating with the Chinese Government the conference respecting the abolition of extraterritoriality in China and kindred questions?
Mr. A. HENDERSONNegotiations on the subject of abolition of extra-territoriality are now in progress, but no general conference is being held. I regret that I cannot disclose the instructions to Sir Miles Lampson while negotiations are in progress. No kindred question has been or is to be discussed unless the Provisional Court at Shanghai can be termed such. As to this, the agreement mentioned in the answer to the right hon. Gentleman, the Member for Woolwich West (Sir K. Wood), on the 12th February, was to be signed on behalf of His Majesty's Minister and other Ministers concerned and the Chinese Government on the 17th instant.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGECan the right hon. Gentleman satisfy this House that the terms of reference to Sir Miles Lampson are such as to safeguard the lives and properties of British subjects in that country?
§ Sir ASSHETON POWNALLWill the House have an opportunity of expressing an opinion with regard to these negotiations before they are finally ratified?
Mr. HENDERSONWe have already undertaken to lay all treaties and to have a discussion before ratification.