§ 7. Captain P. MACDONALDasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information to give the House as to the progress of events in China in so far as British lives or property have been affected?
§ Mr. DALTONI am glad to say that no threat to British lives or property in China was reported during the Christmas Recess. One British subject (Father Tierney) is still in the hands of brigands, but the British authorities are making every effort to secure his release. Generally speaking, the position of the Nanking Government has been greatly strengthened. The rebellion in the North West provinces seems now to be definitely at an end. Complete harmony appears to exist between the President of the Republic and the Governor of Manchuria; and a determined effort is being made to suppress the outbreaks of organised banditry which unhappily occurred during 1930 at various points in the interior.
§ 13. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the interested Powers have conferred together with a view to using their good offices for a peaceful solution of the disturbances and civil war in China; and whether a proposal to give joint diplomatic and financial assistance to the constitutional Government in China has been considered?
§ Mr. DALTONThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. No proposal of the nature indicated in the second part of the question has been made to my right hon. Friend. As my hon. and gallant Friend is no doubt aware, the general condition of China has greatly improved, and there has been no renewal of the civil war.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYHas this matter been before the League?
§ Mr. DALTONI am glad to say I believe the time has passed when it would be reasonable to bring it before the League.