§ 18. Mr. MOREINGasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make a statement as to the renewal of the boycott of Japanese in Shanghai; and whether he has received any report from His Majesty's representatives in China of the state of affairs in Shanghai, particularly with regard to the relations between the Chinese and Japanese communities?
§ Sir J. SIMONMy information is that theme has been a recrudescence of the boycott against Japanese goods at Shanghai from about the middle of August with a certain inevitable increase of tension between Chinese and Japanese. Apart from isolated instances, however, the movement as a whole appears to have been kept within bounds, and the Chinese Mayor of Greater Shanghai, in co-operation with the authorities of the International Settlement, is exerting himself to suppress illegal boycott activities.
§ Mr. MOREINGHas the right hon. Gentleman any information as to the formation by the local Japanese of a defence corps to protect their rights in case of boycott, which may lead to very grave consequences?
§ Sir J. SIMONI should like to have that question on the Order Paper.
§ Sir J. WARDLAW-MILNECan the right hon. Gentleman give any information regarding the proposed conference set up by the Chamber of Commerce?
§ Mr. HOLFORD KNIGHTCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether this boycott situation is connected with the prolonged uncertainty in the local situation?
§ Sir J. SIMONI do not think I can give a reply to that question without 582 notice. If the hon. Member for Kidderminster (Sir J. Wardlaw-Milne) does not mind, I would prefer to consider his question also rather than give an impromptu answer.