HC Deb 30 June 1932 vol 267 cc2019-20
70. Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the £11,000,000 of British money, which under the Boxer Indemnity Agreement was to become an endowment available for educational purposes in China, is being expended as promised, in view of the fact that the Government of China has ignored the request made by the Board of Trustees that documents entitling them to the interest or amortisation as specified in the agreement should be given to them?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Eden)

My information is that the money is being expended in a proper manner both by the Board of Trustees in China and by the London Purchasing Commission, but I understand that, beyond the issue of certain regulations by the Chinese Ministry of Railways, adequate arrange- ments have not yet been elaborated between the Chinese Government and the Board of Trustees for ensuring that the sums so expended will produce a revenue available for educational purposes.

Mr. MANDER

Will the hon. Member take care to see that the Chinese Government carry out their obligations to this country in this matter?

Mr. EDEN

The hon. Member will appreciate that it is primarily a matter for the Board of Trustees of the Chinese Government and not for His Majesty's Government.

Mr. MANDER

Were not certain promises made to this House when the Bill was passing as to the way in which the money would be spent?

Mr. EDEN

I will do my best to see that the promises made are kept.

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