HC Deb 05 November 1934 vol 293 c619
13. Sir JOHN HASLAM

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is intended to raise the British. Legation in Peking to the status of an embassy; and whether there is any understanding on this subject between the Powers mainly interested in China?

15. Sir ASSHETON POWNALL

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there is still in existence an agreement by which this country and others undertook not to raise the status of their legation in China to that of an embassy without prior consultation; and whether this country was advised in advance of the recent action of the Italian Government in this regard?

Sir J. SIMON

In 1919 an understanding was reached with certain Powers that no new embassies would be created without previous accord, and confidential consultations with special reference to China have been held from time to time with these and other Powers. The Italian Government, however, in associating itself with this understanding made it clear that they did not limit their freedom of action in countries where a European Power already had an embassy. The Italian Government informed His Majesty's Government on the 25th September last of their decision to raise their legation in China to the status of an embassy and a communique to that effect was issued next day. His Majesty's Government do not at present intend to raise the British Legation at Peking to the status of an embassy.

Sir A. POWNALL

Can my right hon. Friend say whether there is already an Ambassador for some other country in China?

Sir J. SIMON

The Soviet Government have an Ambassador there.

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