§ 24. Sir C. CAYZERasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement on the negotiations which the British Government have been carrying on with the Chinese Government with a view to arriving at an agreed surrender of our extra-territorial rights in China, or whether it is his intention to postpone any further negotiations for the present in view of the facts disclosed in connection with the murder of Mr. John Thorhurn by a Chinese official?
§ Mr. EDENOwing to political conditions in China there has been no change in the position since the 17th of June last, when it was stated in this House 22 that the negotiations had reached a stage which enabled them to be reported to the respective Governments. The question is still under consideration, and no statement can yet be made.
§ Sir C. CAYZERIf it is possible for a British subject to be dragged before a Chinese colonel and shot without trial, this being afterwards concealed, when we have extra-territorial rights, can my hon. Friend say what will happen when we surrender those rights?
§ Mr. EDENI think that I have already stated that we made the strongest representations when that happened, and that the Chinese officer concerned has already been dealt with. We should expect similar treatment in any event.
§ Sir C. CAYZERCan the hon. Gentleman assure the House that there will be no further surrender of extra-territorial rights without the express sanction of the House?
§ Mr. EDENI can certainly assure my hon. Friend that my right hon. Friend is going very carefully into this question. Perhaps if the hon. Member puts down a question next week my right hon. Friend will be in a position to give an answer.