HC Deb 24 June 1931 vol 254 cc417-8
5. Mr. ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUEL

asked 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. DALTON

My right hon. Friend understands that negotiations for the purchase by the Chinese Government of the Soviet Government's share in this railway have been opened, but he has no official information on the subject.

Mr. SAMUEL

Can the hon. Gentleman find out whether there have been any proposals for Customs reductions on the Manchurian frontier where this railway touches?

Mr. DALTON

This 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. SAMUEL

Will 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. DALTON

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down a question on the subject.

Sir NAIRNE STEWART SANDEMAN

Do not these negotiations show rather a bad record?

Mr. DALTON

No, Sir.

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