HC Deb 16 February 1931 vol 248 cc855-6
15. Mr. ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUEL

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why the British chief inspector of the Chinese salt gabelle has been relieved of his appointment; and why a United States of America citizen has been appointed in his place, seeing that the United States of America was not a party to the foreign consortium and did not sign the loan upon which the foreign reorganisation of the Chinese salt gabelle was based?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

His Majesty's Minister in China reports that he has instructed his representative in Nanking to draw the attention of the Chinese Minister of Finance to the large interests of British bondholders in loans secured on the salt revenue, and to inquire why Mr. Hussey Freke has been replaced.

Mr. SAMUEL

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the United States has any interest in this matter to justify the change?

Mr. HENDERSON

I am afraid that I cannot speak of their interest in the matter.