§ 1. Mr. SMITHERSasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can state whether any damage has been done to British persons and property as a result of the hostilities between the Japanese and Chinese troops in Manchuria; and whether steps have been taken to ensure the protection of such property and persons in the event of any further development of fighting in this area?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir John Simon)So far as I am aware, no damage to British property or persons has resulted from the disturbed conditions prevailing in Manchuria. No special steps have been found necessary, but the situation is being watched and any practicable action which may be necessary or desirable will be taken.
Captain CAZALETCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether our legation has sent any body to the affected area in Manchuria to watch events?
§ Sir J. SIMONYes, the contending parties have indicated their willingness to have military attachés in Manchuria, and, in fact, there are representatives both of the British Government and, I believe, of other Governments.
§ 2. Captain. PETER MACDONALDasked the Secretary of State for Foreign 370 Affairs whether the British Government is taking any action, and, if so, what, to notify both Japan and China that whatever the result of the existing military operations Great Britain will insist on the maintenance of the open door for international trade in Manchuria; and whether he is able to give any assurances on this point?
§ Sir J. SIMONThe principle of the open door for international trade in Manchuria is safeguarded by the Nine-Power Washington Treaty of 6th February, 1922. His Majesty's Government attach the greatest importance to this principle, and my hon. and gallant Friend may rest assured that the interests of British trade will be constantly borne in mind.
§ Captain MACDONALDHave there been any breaches of the Treaty referred to in recent months?
§ Sir J. SIMONNot, I think, in this connection.
4. Mr. ANEURIN BEVAN asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information concerning the terms of the proposal by the Japanese representative in Paris for a commission of inquiry into the situation in Manchuria; and, if so, whether
§ Sir J. SIMONAt a public meeting of the Council of the League of Nations on the 21st November the Japanese delegate made a proposal that a League Commission should be sent to study on the spot the situation in Manchuria and in China generally. It would be understood that the Commission would not intervene in direct negotiations between the parties and would not attempt to interfere with the movements of troops on either side. The Chinese delegate said that he could not commit himself to acceptance of the proposed Commission until he knew further details. The idea of a Commission was welcomed in general terms by the other members of the Council, including the British representative. The proposal is being carefully studied by the Council. His Majesty's Government is co-operating in the fullest way with the 371 other members of the Council to bring the contesting parties together in an effort to reach an agreed solution.
Mr. BEVANIs not the failure of the League to declare against Japan dealing a deadly blow at the prestige of the League, and is it not desirable, in the interests of peace and the machinery of peace, that the League Council should declare immediately against the action of Japan in Manchuria?
§ Sir J. SIMONAction by the Council of the League, as in the case of any other impartial body, must proceed on the basis of hearing both sides, and I hope it is too early to say that in this matter the action of the League will fail.
Mr. BEVANIs it not the fact that at the moment when Japan is suggesting a commission of inquiry into affairs in Manchuria she is also taking hostile action against Manchuria and occupying the whole of the province?
§ Mr. ATTLEECan the right hon. Gentleman assure us that in dealing with this proposal by Japan for a commission the League is not in any way waiving the position which it has taken up respecting the performance of covenants under the League as to the cessation of hostilities and submitting the affair to the League?
§ Sir J. SIMONOne of the matters now being considered is what is the proper form of the resolution in order to safeguard that position as far as possible.
§ Mr. LANSBURYSeeing that Japan and China are still fighting and that Japan is in effective occupation of Manchuria, is not there anything that the right hon. Gentleman can do on behalf of this country, if the League is unable to do it, to let Japan know the feelings of this country in the matter?
§ Sir J. SIMONI would wish to assure the right hon. Gentleman that these matters are very present to my mind. I am quite satisfied that it is by the joint and, if possible, unanimous action of the Powers who are associated with the Council of the League that the best influence will be exerted.
§ Mr. LANSBURYI—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh!"]—I wish to give notice that on 372 the Adjournment this evening we shall, though not in any hostile sense, take the opportunity of putting further questions and stating our own views on the matter.