§ 21 and 22. Sir JOHN WARDLAW-MILNEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1), whether any notice has been given to terminate the agreement regarding the district courts of Shanghai; and, if so, by whom;
(2), whether any and, if so, what steps have been taken by His Majesty's Government to provide for the revision of -the agreement, expiring on 1st April next, between the Chinese Government and the Powers representing the International Settlement relating to the special district court in Shanghai?
§ Sir J. SIMONNo notice has been given to terminate the agreement. Appropriate measures for the remedy of such abuses as at present exist are under consideration and have been the subject of discussions between His Majesty's Chargé d'Affairs and the Chinese authorities.
§ Sir J. WARDLAW-MILNEIs it not necessary now to give notice if we are to get real reforms; and, if notice is given, will my right hon. Friend endeavour to make sure that the municipal council of Shanghai are fully consulted regarding any changes which are necessary, and, if necessary, represented on any body set up to consider this case?
§ Sir J. SIMONI should like to consider the second part of the question. As regards the first part of the question of my hon. Friend, I may remind him that he was informed on 22nd June by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary that:
The terms of the present arrangement are to the effect that it continues in force until 1st April, 1933, but may be extended for an additional period upon mutual consent of the parties thereto."—[OFFICIAL, REPORT, 22nd June, 1932; col. 1105, Vol. 267.]My hon. Friend will therefore appreciate that it is not a case in which notice has to be given.