§ 32. Mr. COCKSasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government will take steps to approach the United States of America, and the Powers members of the League of Nations with a view to exerting diplomatic and economic pressure upon the Japanese Government in order to secure respect for the sanctity of international obligations?
§ Sir J. SIMONThe hon. Member put this question to me, in substance, on Wednesday last, and I have nothing to add to the answer he then received.
§ Mr. LANSBURY(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make on the situation in Shanghai, and if he can now state whether the Consuls' report can be published?
§ Sir J. SIMONI deeply regret that, as reported in the Press, serious fighting has broken out between the Chinese and Japanese forces, despite all the efforts that have been made to prevent hostilities. The negotiations between the Chinese and Japanese military authorities at Shanghai, of which I informed the House on the 18th of February, failed to secure any agreement. The Japanese General thereupon delivered an ultimatum to the commander of the Chinese troops at Shanghai on the 19th February, demanding, amongst other conditions, that these troops should begin to evacuate their positions in the vicinity of Shanghai before 7 a.m. on the 20th February, Shanghai time. This ultimatum was not accepted by the Chinese General, and an offensive was launched by the Japanese early on the 20th of February. As has been reported in the Press, the Japanese troops have somewhat advanced their line in the neighbourhood of Kiangwan, between Chapei and Woosung, and fighting still continues. Up to the present, there has been little fighting at Chapei or elsewhere in the immediate neighbourhood of the International Settlement.
It is not anticipated that the evacuation of British women and children from Shanghai will become necessary; detailed arrangements have, however, been made against this eventuality. The only danger to the International Settlement at present is from stray shell-fire. Sir Miles Lampson, in concert with his United States, French and Italian col- 18 leagues, has made representations to the Japanese and Chinese authorities protesting against action which might lead to damage being inflicted on foreign life or property, and making every reservation in the matter. As regards the second part of the question, the two reports of the Committee of Consuls at Shanghai are being laid as a Parliamentary Paper, and I hope that this will be in the hands of Members on Thursday next.
§ Mr. LANSBURYOn that reply may I ask the Foreign Secretary whether it would be possible for him, in reply to some questions which I would like to put to him at a more convenient time than now, to make a more detailed statement than is possible in the circumstances of Question hour? If there is time tonight, I would like to put those questions then; if not to-night I would like to put them to-morrow on the Motion for the Adjournment.
§ Sir J. SIMONI am disposed to agree with the right hon. Gentleman that the method of imparting information by question and answer is not adequate for a situation of this gravity. I would be glad, on behalf of the Government, to make a rather fuller statement, say on the Adjournment to-day or to-morrow, if this can be arranged through the usual channels, and I am obliged to the right hon. Gentleman for his suggestion.
§ Sir AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINWould the Foreign Secretary say whether the General in command of the Chinese Forces in action at Shanghai recognises the authority of any Chinese Government, and, if so, what Government?
§ Sir J. SIMONPerhaps my right hon. Friend would allow me to dwell upon that question, which is an important one, and I will endeavour to answer it in the course of any statement that I make later in the day.