HC Deb 11 May 1931 vol 252 cc803-4
30. Sir K. WOOD

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can now make a further statement concerning extra-territoriality, and particularly as to the action of the Chinese Government concerning fresh regulations governing the adjudication of cases in which foreign nationals would be amenable to Chinese courts?

32. Sir AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will lay papers relating to the negotiations on extraterritoriality with the Chinese Government?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

Since my statement last Wednesday, Sir Miles Lamp-son reports that the Chinese Government issued on the 4th of May a mandate applying unilaterally certain arrangements for the exercise of jurisdiction over foreigners to take effect as from the 1st of January, 1932. The mandate has not yet been officially communicated to His Majesty's Minister, and I have not received the authentic text. As I anticipated might be the case in my statement of last Wednesday, negotiations are still in progress, and, in these circumstances, I feel sure that the right hon. Gentleman, the Member for West Birmingham (Sir A. Chamberlain), will agree that it would be inadvisable to lay papers at this juncture.

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the issue of a mandate makes a difference in the situation, which would justify him in laying before the House the information that he has with regard to past negotiations?

Mr. HENDERSON

No, I think that it would be highly undesirable. I hinted last Wednesday that I thought the negotiations had not been finally broken off. I have already given the House an undertaking that, if the proposals result in a treaty, a full Debate will be opportune when it comes up for ratification.

Sir K. WOOD

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire how this important statement affecting a large number of nationals of other countries was communicated to the Press, but not to the various foreign secretaries, like himself, who were concerned?

Mr. HENDERSON

I do not know that I can interfere with how another Government give out their information.

Sir K. WOOD

Is that a friendly way of dealing with another country?

Sir W. BRASS

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that before ratification is made we shall have a general Debate?

Mr. HENDERSON

I have already answered that question.

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