HC Deb 11 November 1931 vol 259 cc102-3
Mr. LANSBURY

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement on the situation in Manchuria and the latest reports sent to him from Tientsin?

The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir John Simon)

Since the last statement was made in the House on the 5th of October the situation has been further considered by the Council of the League of Nations at a session lasting from the 13th of October to the 24th of October. Working on the common ground which was found to exist between the two disputing countries, every effort was made to secure the adoption of a unanimous resolution which would be binding on all participants, but unfortunately without complete success. A draft resolution was laid before the Council on the 24th of October, shortly before its members separated until the 16th of November. This draft contemplated that the Japanese Government should be called upon to effect the total withdrawal of their forces outside the railway zone before the date fixed for the next meeting of the Council, namely, the 16th of November. It contemplated also negotiations between the two parties as to the arrangements necessary for the transfer of the evacuated territory. This draft obtained the support of all the delegates except the Japanese. In the absence of unanimity it has, juridically, no binding force.

Since the adjournment of the Council further endeavours have been made to promote agreement. These will be carefully explored when the Council reassembles on the 16th of November. Meanwhile, some portion of the Japanese troops are understood to have been withdrawn within the railway zone, though fresh hostilities have occurred in North Western Manchuria.

I propose to attend the adjourned meeting of the Council which will be held in Paris on the 16th of November, and I have every hope that the Council, under the distinguished Presidency of Monsieur Briand and with the moral support which I earnestly trust that the United States Government will continue to afford, will be able to compose this unfortunate dispute.

As regards Tientsin, my information is that on the night of the 8th of November an armed mob of Chinese attacked the native city but were beaten off. The significance of the incident is obscure. I have no information regarding the further incident reported in the Press to-day.

Mr. THORNE

Can the right hon. Gentleman state what was the cause of this unfortunate quarrel?

Sir J. SIMON

I do not think that I am in a position to state it within the compass of an answer to a supplementary question. No doubt the hon. Member will see that the matter will have to be considered in all its bearings, and no doubt, in the end, a full report will have to be made, but I do not think that it can be stated across the Floor of the House.

Mr. MAXTON

In these recent events, has His Majesty's Government added to the British forces in Chinese territory?

Sir J. SIMON

So far as I am aware, they have not.

Mr. T. GRIFFITHS

Will the Secretary of State guarantee that he will go there with his usual peace mind?

Sir J. SIMON

indicated assent.