§ 14. Mr. CHORLTONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has anything further to report with reference to the large order, totalling some £25,000,000 in value, obtained by a French trade representative in Manchukuo.
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir John Simon)According to the Japanese Press, a provisional agreement for the formation of a Franco-Japanese consortium designed to promote French trade with Manchuria was concluded at Tokio on the 3rd March between representatives of the South Manchurian Railway and of certain French interests. This agreement is subject to ratification by the parties concerned. It is not understood to involve orders of any such magnitude as my hon. Friend suggests.
§ Mr. CHORLTONIs there no possibility of our coming to some arrangement of the same nature, or is our trade to be entirely lost?
§ Sir J. SIMONI sincerely hope not, but the hon. Member will observe that the transaction to which he has directed attention was the result of private enterprise on the part of trading interests in the two countries concerned.
§ Earl WINTERTONIs the right hon. Gentleman looking into the question of whether, owing to our non-recognition of Manchukuo, adequate advice and assistance are available through the British Consular service to enable British firms to do business in this way?
§ Sir J. SIMONThe Noble Lord is quite right in speaking of non-recognition, but that applies to the other country concerned. None the less, I am satisfied that our Consular service in Manchuria operates quite effectively.