§ 5. Sir A. M. SAMUELasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will inquire from the Japanese Government whether the local Japanese authorities prevent merchandise from entering Manchuria via Dairen when not provided with a pass by the Chinese maritime customs office; and if he will represent to the Japanese Government that steps should be taken to discourage agencies within the leased territory placing British goods at a disadvantage by passing dutiable articles into Manchuria unknown to the Chinese customs authorities?
§ Mr. EDENMy right hon. Friend has already received reports on this question and, on his instructions, His Majesty's Ambassador at Tokio has raised the matter with the Japanese Government, and received an assurance that the matter will be taken up immediately.
§ 8 and 9. Mr. COCKSasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether he has any information regarding the present situation in Manchuria;
(2) whether he is aware that the Chinese Government has sent the Secretary-General of the League of Nations a memorandum recalling the fact that the Powers having representatives in Manchuria undertook last December to keep the League informed as to the development of the situation and asking that these Governments should comply with this undertaking by providing information on the present military situation in Manchuria; and whether, in view of the recent fighting and increasing tension in Northern Manchuria, His Majesty's Government will supply the League with this information?
§ Mr. EDENSuch reports as have reached my right hon. Friend with regard to military operations in Manchuria do not indicate that these were of such a character as to justify the expense of sending special officers to observe and report upon them. Moreover, the League of Nations Commission which was in Manchuria at the time has but recently concluded its investigations there as to which it has submitted a preliminary report dealing mainly with the military situation.
§ Mr. COCKSIs the hon. Member not aware that the resolution of the League of Nations provides that this special information shall be sent in addition to any information which may have been given? Will he carry out that part of the resolution?
§ Mr. EDENMy answer shows that we did not think it necessary to incur any expenditure in sending a special officer when the League of Nations Commission was actually on the spot.