HC Deb 22 May 1933 vol 278 cc743-5
12. Mr. LUNN

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, with reference to the proposals for negotiating a commercial agreement with Japan, whether he will give assurances that this country will not enter into any commitments which might make more difficult the execution of its obligations under Articles X and XVI of the Covenant, or which might prejudice the carrying out of the recommendations of the Assembly Report of 24th February, or be contrary to the pledge contained in that report not to pursue any separate policy in the Sino-Japanese conflict, but to consult with other members of the League and with the United States with a view to concerting a common policy?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)

I will answer this question in the absence of my right hon. friend, who is at Geneva. Negotiations with the Japanese Government for the conclusion of a new commercial agreement are not at present contemplated, and the remainder of the question does not therefore arise. I should add that the matter has no reference whatever to the political situation of China and Japan.

13. Captain P. MACDONALD

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any nations, and, if so, which, have yet given official recognition to the state of Manchukuo; and what is the policy of His Majesty's Government in this connection?

The PRIME MINISTER

So far Japan alone has accorded recognition. His Majesty's Government are bound by the Assembly Report of the 24th of February to continue to withhold recognition.

14. Mr. MORGAN JONES

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will instruct the British Minister to China to suggest an armistice between the Chinese and Japanese forces that would leave the latter during such armistice in possession of the occupied Chinese territory; and whether he has any information to give the House upon the present situation?

19. Mr. COCKS

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement regarding the Japanese advance on Pekin?

The PRIME MINISTER

As regards the first part of the question, the action suggested would be inappropriate unless it corresponded to the wishes of both parties to the dispute. The Japanese and Manchukuo forces, which recently advanced to the Lusn River and then retired, were followed up by the Chinese; they are now again advancing in the same area and also southwards from the Great Wall further West. Their object is said to be to, produce conditions which will prevent further attacks from the side of China.

Mr. JONES

May we take it that the Japanese forces are at liberty now to occupy the whole of Chinese territory without incurring any prospect of protest from the other Powers at Geneva?

The PRIME MINISTER

Certainly not.

Mr. D. GRENFELL

Has the Foreign Minister any idea as to how far the Japanese propose to go in China?

The PRIME MINISTER

If my hon. Friend will put that question on the Paper I shall be glad to give him an answer.

Mr. JONES

At what point, seeing that the right hon. Gentleman gave so emphatic a reply to my question, may we expect the order to halt to be given?

The PRIME MINISTER

My hon. Friend had better put that question on the Paper.