§ 22. Mr. CHORLTONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is able to report any further progess in connection with the prevention of the smuggling into North China?
§ Mr. EDENI understand that in recent weeks there has been a certain fall in the volume of goods illicitly imported; but it is too early yet to draw any conclusions from this.
§ 43. Mr. CHORLTONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what suitable naval craft there are on the China station that might assist in the prevention of smuggling in the north?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Sir Samuel Hoare)The prevention of smuggling in China is a matter for the Government of that country and the Chinese Maritime Customs, and the question of employing ships of the Royal Navy to assist in this service does not arise.
§ 21. Mr. LIDDALL (for Mr. MORGAN)asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the attack by Japanese residents at Tsingtao on the British Commissioner of Chinese Customs for his attempt to prohibit smuggling; whether British ships have been sent to the waters in question; and whether he will consult with the other Powers interested, including the United States, to devise measures for the restoration of normal conditions of trade for all Powers in Northern China?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Viscount Cranborne)As regards the first part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 1st July in answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Kirkdale (Mr. Rankin). As regards the second part of the question, there have been no special movements of units of the China squadron in connection with the recent disturbances at Tsingtao. As regards the third part of the question, His Majesty's Government have already been in touch with other interested Governments in regard to the situation.