§ 66. Mr. GRENFELLasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information to give the House as to the position of affairs in the Far East?
§ Viscount CRANBORNESigns of tension have recently appeared in the relations of the South Western Provinces of China with the Central Government, but there seems no sufficient reason at present to take an alarmist view of the situation. As regards the question of smuggling in North China, conversations have continued between His Majesty's 33 representatives in Japan and China and the Governments to which they are accredited. The Japanese Government have despatched an official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to examine the situation on the spot. I understand that the Japanese garrison in North China is being reinforced, but I am unable to give actual figures. In other respects the situation has not materially altered since the reply given to a similar question put by the hon. Member on 21st April last.
§ Mr. GRENFELLCan the Noble Lord say whether the Japanese Government has given any assurance that the additional troops are intended only to defend her possessions?
§ Viscount CRANBORNEI understand that under the International Boxer Protocol of 1901 the Japanese and other signatories acquired the right to station garrisons in the North of China, and that the Protocol does not impose any limits on the size of the garrison. They are, therefore, entitled to send troops if they wish.
§ Mr. GRENFELLDoes the Japanese Government give any assurance that the movement of troops is designed only to give effect to the Protocol?
§ Viscount CRANBORNEI should like notice of that question.