§ 7. Mr. MORGANasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the British loans secured upon the Chinese Imperial Customs, any reports have been made to him regarding the Japanese demands for the complete separation of the Northern Customs Administration from Nanking control; and what is the attitude of the British Government on the subject?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am aware that rumours on the subject have recently been current, but my right hon. Friend has received no report tending to confirm them; while the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs recently informed His Majesty's Ambassador in Tokyo that his Government could give no support to the establishment of special Customs Tariffs by any local authority in China. His Majesty's Government are, of course, keenly interested in the maintenance of the integrity of the Chinese Maritime Customs Administration.
§ Mr. A. V. ALEXANDERHave the Government any immediate proposals to make to safeguard the dangerous position which is arising by the continued smuggling that is going on in that country?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIf the right hon. Gentleman has any specific question, perhaps he will put it down. We are in constant touch with His Majesty's representatives on this point, and the answer which I have given shows the situation as it is to-day.