HC Deb 27 June 1932 vol 267 cc1457-8
20. Sir J. WARDLAW-MILNE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will instruct His Majesty's Minister at Shanghai to negotiate for a renewal of the agreement in connection with the establishment of the special district court at Shanghai on such terms as will provide fully for the independence of the court and its strictly impartial administration of justice?

Sir J. SIMON

The question is under consideration but it would be premature to issue instructions at the present time.

Sir J. WARDLAW-MILNE

Will the right hon. Gentleman press upon our representative in China the necessity of proceeding with these negotiations as soon as possible so that the matter is not left until the last moment as was the case on a previous occasion? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of the main causes of the recent trouble was the difficulty of these courts administering justice impartially?

Sir J. SIMON

I appreciate the importance of the point which my hon. Friend has made. The present agreement, as he knows, is not due for renewal until April, 1933, but that is no reason why we should not get on with the matter. His Majesty's Minister at Shanghai is in this country, and I am intending to get into communication with him while he is here.

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