HC Deb 17 May 1933 vol 278 cc340-1
2. Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been called to the interview given in Canada by Sir Francis Lindley, the British Ambassador in Tokyo; and whether the views expressed represent those of the British Government?

3. Mr. McENTEE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the interview given in Canada by the British Ambassador in Tokyo, in which sympathy with the policy of Japan in Manchuria is expressed; and whether he will suggest greater reticence on a matter on which Great Britain as a nation has taken a different attitude at Geneva?

5. Mr. LUNN

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to an interview given by Sir Francis Lindley, His Majesty's Ambassador in Tokyo, while travelling through Canada, in which he justified Japan's seizure of Manchuria; whether His Majesty's Government propose to abide by the findings and recommendations in the unanimous Report of the Assembly of 24th February; and, if so, whether they will issue instructions to Sir Francis Lindley accordingly?

Sir J. SIMON

I have read the press report of the alleged interview, but until I have had an opportunity of seeing Sir Francis Lindley I cannot comment on the matter beyond saying that the policy of His Majesty's Government has already been clearly defined in this House; it is, of course, one of loyalty to the Assembly Report of the 24th of February.

Mr. LUNN

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it would be better, if a policy is to be declared, that it should be declared by the Minister and not by a civil servant?

Sir J. SIMON

I am sure that my hon. Friend will appreciate my reason for answering as I did. I cannot assume that a dispatch in an English paper in the form of a telegram from Ottawa about something which is supposed to have been said in Winnipeg is in all respects quite accurate.

Sir BERTRAM FALLE

Is it not a fact that these views are held by a very large Majority of the people of this country?