§ 6. Mr. MOREINGasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government of China is still situated at Loyang; if so, what is the rank of the diplomatic representative of His Majesty's Government at Loyang; and whether any and, if so, what Government is exercising authority at Nanking?
§ Sir J. SIMONThe Chinese Government was never transferred in its entirety to Loyang. Several of its important members, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, through whom contact with the Chinese Government is maintained, have continued to reside at Nanking. No need has therefore arisen for British diplomatic representation at Loyang. The Government exercising authority at Nanking is the National Government of the Republic of China.
§ Mr. MOREINGIs it not a fact that the generals of the nineteenth Cantonese army are exercising a considerable measure of control at Nanking?
§ Sir J. SIMONI should have to ask for notice of that question.
§ Mr. KIRKPATRICKWill the right hon. Gentleman explain what he means by the Chinese Government?
§ 7. Mr. MOREINGasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the rank of the British diplomatic representative at Canton; and to which Government he is accredited?
§ Sir J. SIMONThere is no British diplomatic representative at Canton.
§ 10. Mr. CHORLTONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is proposed that the British Minister in China shall in future reside at the actual seat of the Government, or whether it is proposed to maintain the British Legation in Peking?
§ Sir J. SIMONNo change is contemplated at present in the existing arrangements under which His Majesty's Minister makes his headquarters at Peking and proceeds from time to time to the place where his services are most required. A member of the Legation staff resides permanently at Nanking.
§ Mr. CHORLTONDoes not the trade of the country suffer under such arrangements?
§ Sir J. SIMONI really do not think so. I might add to my original answer that considerations of expense, if nothing else, would make it necessary to examine very carefully whether a move was justified, but I am satisfied that under present arrangements we are represented in all parts of China most satisfactorily.