HC Deb 06 March 1933 vol 275 cc797-8
35. Sir W. DAVISON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether all arrears of subscription due from the Chinese Government to the League of Nations have now been paid; and, if not, what is the amount still outstanding?

Sir J. SIMON

As my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs explained in reply to the ques- tion of my hon. Friend the member for Acton (Mr. Duggan) on the 4th July last, the Chinese Government, in accordance with a special arrangement approved by the 1930 Assembly, is paying off its arrears due for the years 1922–1930 by equal instalments over a period of 23 years, and has in both 1931 and 1932 paid the instalments due under this arrangement. Apart from these yearly payments in respect of arrears for the years 1922 to 1930, China has also, in common with all other States members, to make an annual contribution towards the current expenditure of the League. In respect of the year 1931 China's contribution was assessed at 1,438,861 gold francs and for 1932 at 1,544,643 gold francs. Towards these two contributions China has paid at present 719,428 and 772,208 francs, respectively. For these two years, therefore, China is in arrears to the extent of 1,491,868 francs.

Sir W. DAVISON

Does my right hon. Friend think that it is fair that China should have the advantages of the League and be so substantially in arrear with her contributions, which are due from her to the League; and can he say whether these dues are payable by the Chinese Government of Peking, Canton or Nanking?

Sir J. SIMON

The Chinese Government is not the only Government in arrear. The Government from which the amounts are due is the Government which is a member of the League.

Sir W. DAVISON

Is it the Government of Peking, Canton or Nanking? That seems to me to be a clear question.

Mr. MAXTON

Are nations that are in arrear allowed by the rules of the. League to take part in a war?