§ 32. Mr. HALL-CAINEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the announcement by the new Manchurian Government that it intends to take over the Customs and Salt Administration; and whether the British Government are making any representations in view of the fact that various British loans are secured on the Chinese Customs and Salt Administration as a whole?
§ Sir J. SIMONI have no official information of any such announcement, but the matter is being carefully watched and any representations that may appear desirable will be made in the appropriate quarter. According to my information, the Manchurian authorities, as well as the Chinese Government, are already fully alive to the importance attached by His Majesty's Government to the foreign loan obligations.
§ Mr. MORGAN JONESWill it be competent for the new Manchurian Government to undertake any such action without first being recognised by the Powers?
§ Sir J. SIMONI think my hon. Friend will see that this question refers to the suggested action that might be taken in fact, rather than to the legality of the action. I have no official information.