15. Sir NAIRNE STEWART SANDEMANasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any reports have been received from His Majesty's representatives in Siam or the Federated Malay States as to the proposal to construct a ship canal across the Isthmus of Kra; and what is the attitude of the Government towards this matter?
§ Sir J. SIMONI presume that my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to a rumour which has appeared in the Press regarding a scheme of this kind. Such rumours have been in circulation on various occasions in the past. There is no reason to suppose that this rumour is better founded than its predecessors, but I am making inquiries in the matter. No recent reports on this topic have been received from His Majesty's representatives in Siam or the Federated Malay States. The bearing of any such project on British interests would naturally receive the attention of His Majesty's Government.