HC Deb 25 April 1934 vol 288 cc1692-3
5. Mr. HARCOURT JOHNSTONE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now able to make a statement as to the result of his communication to the Japanese Government?

Sir J. SIMON

No, Sir; the communication which the hon. Member refers to, was despatched on Monday, and I understand that His Majesty's Ambassador at Tokio is seeing the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs to-day. I do not anticipate that I shall be in possession of the full views of the Japanese Government until after a few days, and in the meantime I am not in a position to add anything to the reply which I returned on Monday to my hon. Friend the Member for Chester (Sir C. Cayzer).

Mr. JOHNSTONE

Will the right hon. Gentleman communicate the Japanese reply to the House when he receives it?

Sir J. SIMON

A statement will certainly be made, but I must, of course, see what are the terms of the reply before I can give a definite assurance.

Mr. ATTLEE

Has the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been drawn to the report that the statement in regard to non-interference has been confirmed by the Japanese Cabinet?

Sir J. SIMON

There has been a very large number of statements, and it is very difficult to be sure which of them are authoritative; that is one of the matters into which I am inquiring.

Mr. ATTLEE

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter and other matters of foreign affairs on the first available Supply day.

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