§ 92. Mr. N. MACLEANasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the representative of the Japanese Government on the Council of the League of Nations has informed that body that his Government has supported the setting up of an independent Government in Manchuria; and whether he will call the attention of the Japanese Government to the bearing of such action upon their obligations under Article 10 of the Covenant and Article 1, paragraph 1, of the Washington Nine-Power Treaty?
§ Mr. EDENThe statement in the first part of the question goes further than is warranted by the records of the Council, according to which the Japanese delegate merely stated that Japan regarded favourably the establishment of Manchuria's independence, which he interpreted as equivalent to autonomy, and welcome hopefully the new autonomous regime. In the circumstances the second part of the question does not arise.
§ Mr. MACLEANIn view of the statement that now appears that the representative of Japan has welcomed the Government in the name not only of Japan, but of foreigners in Manchuria, will the hon. Gentleman reconsider the reply which he has given?
§ Mr. EDENNo, Sir. My answer is based on the official records of the speech of the Japanese delegate himself, and we are not responsible for anything else.