§ 5. Captain P. MACDONALDasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has yet received a reply from the Japanese Government to the protest by this country against the setting up of an oil monopoly in Manchuria; and whether he can now indicate what action is to be taken by the British Government with a view to reaching a successful conclusion on this matter at an early date?
§ Sir S. HOARENo reply has been received. In the meantime the Manchukuo Oily Monopoly has come into force and in the circumstances the British and American oil companies concerned have decided that they have no alternative but to withdraw from the market. Conditions of withdrawal are understood to be the subject of discussion between the companies and the Manchurian authorities. The view taken by His Majesty's Government of the monopoly and of the responsibility of the Japanese Government is sufficiently indicated in the full reply returned by my predecessor to my hon. and gallant Friend on the 29th April last, to which I have nothing to add.
§ Captain MACDONALDCan the right hon. Gentleman give me any indication when he will have a reply to this very important letter which was sent on the 29th April? How long is he going to give the Japanese Government to reply?
§ Sir S. HOAREI have no further information than the information I have given to my hon. and gallant Friend.
§ Sir PERCY HARRISIs the monopoly the monopoly of the Japanese Government or that of the Manchurian Government?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe hon. Member had better refer to the answer of the 29th April, when full details were given.