§ 2. Mr. CHORLTONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will take steps specially to urge the settlement of those British claims in Manchukuo, which are of long standing, through the Japanese Government or other responsible authority?
§ Sir J. SIMONIt is not clear to me what particular claims my hon. Friend has in mind, or whether they are among those which have been submitted to the committee refererd to in my answer of the 31st October. If my hon. Friend can furnish me with details I will make inquiry. In general, I can assure him that all legitimate British claims will continue to be pressed in such manner as seems most suitable and effective.
§ 4. Mr. CHORLTONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the Japanese Government accept responsibility for British claims in Manchukuo; and, if not, which authority does and can he obtain settlement from them?
§ Sir J. SIMONThe committee which is now considering these claims was set up by the governing authorities in Manchuria for the express purpose of settling the claims, with the obvious implication that those authorities recognise responsibility for meeting properly established claims. The question of the responsibility of the Japanese Government has not arisen.
§ Mr. CHORLTONThen may I ask if the responsibility is with the new Government? Have they accepted it?
§ Sir J. SIMONThe committee to which I have just referred was set up by the governing authorities in Manchuria.