§ 5. Mr. ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUELasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can inform the House as to the present state of the negotiations opened by the Chinese Government for selling the Chinese Eastern Railway to another Power?
§ Mr. DALTONMy right hon. Friend understands that negotiations for the purchase by the Chinese Government of 418 the Soviet Government's share in this railway have been opened, but he has no official information on the subject.
§ Mr. SAMUELCan the hon. Gentleman find out whether there have been any proposals for Customs reductions on the Manchurian frontier where this railway touches?
§ Mr. DALTONThis is, of course, primarily a matter between the Chinese Government and the Soviet Government. We have no locus standi in the matter, but we can inquire whether any such proposals have been made. These negotiations are not being conducted openly, but we may be able to get some information about this point.
§ Mr. SAMUELWill the hon. Gentleman find out whether these Customs reductions will operate against British goods in view of the fact that the goods will come from the Russian side?
§ Mr. DALTONPerhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down a question on the subject.
§ Mr. DALTONNo, Sir.