§ 63. Lieut.-Commander AGNEWasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is yet in a position to make a statement regarding the seizure in the post by the Chinese Government of Oriental Affairs, a British magazine published in Shanghai?
§ Mr. EDENYes, Sir. Inquiries on the subject have been made of the Chinese Government who have stated that the principal reasons for the imposition of the ban are first, that the nature and tone as a whole of the articles published in "Oriental Affairs" have been consistently hostile and injurious to the Chinese Government, and secondly, that this magazine has actually been carrying on covert propaganda on behalf.of Manchukuo. Discussions are, however, continuing, and it is hoped that they will result in the achievement of a satisfactory settlement of this case.
§ Lieut.-Commander AGNEWWill the right hon. Gentleman make strong representations to the Chinese Government on the unfortunate effect abroad of suppressing reasoned criticism?
§ Mr. EDENI think friendly representations are probably the most likely way of settling this matter.
§ Mr. LAWSONWill the right hon. Gentleman ask them to limit their activities to seizing magazines?