§ 3. Sir KINGSLEY WOODasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the present situation in China; and what is the present position of the negotiations in relation to extra-territorial rights?
§ 7. Mr. DAYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now in a position to make any statement on the question of extra-territoriality between His Majesty's Government and the Chinese Government?
Mr. A. HENDERSONAs regards the present position in China, I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Central Southwark (Mr. Day) on the 19th of November. As regards extra-territoriality, the Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs, in conversation with His Majesty's Minister on the 20th of November, referred to the draft proposals of His Majesty's Government, and made certain criticisms. I understand that counter proposals are likely to be received shortly.
§ Sir K. WOODIs it proposed to go on with these negotiations, having regard to the unsettled state of the country? Is it not advisable to leave them in abeyance?
Mr. HENDERSONI am very well aware of the unsettled state of the country, but I do not see that we should improve matters by allowing these negotiations to stand still.
§ Sir K. WOODDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that he must negotiate with somebody who can give a responsible undertaking?
§ Mr. DAYCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether any reply has been sent by the other six Powers which were approached by China.