§ 14. Mr. CHORLTONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what extent the Chinese Government are permitted to exercise authority in the inner Mongolian provinces of Chahar, Suiyuan, and Ninghsia; and by whom they are prevented from exercising the ordinary powers of government?
§ Mr. EDENThe authority in these provinces generally is in the hands of provincial governments of Mongolian Autonomy Councils set up by the Chinese Government. At the present moment, when the situation is complicated by the action of bandits and irregulars, it is difficult to say to what extent these bodies exercise their authority effectively in each case.
§ Mr. CHORLTONWhat special steps is my right hon. Friend taking to find out the exact position, and is he sending anyone to ascertain the facts?
§ 15. Mr. CHORLTONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any communications from the Chinese Government about the possibility or otherwise of guaranteeing the safety of foreigners in the Province of Suiyuan owing to the hostilities opened by a mixed force of Manchukuoans and Mongols against the Chinese governor of the province?
§ Mr. EDENHis Majesty's representative in Peking has received a circular note from the Chinese Government informing him of the suspension of travel passes for foreigners in Suiyuan and neighbouring provinces on account of measures being taken for the suppression of brigandage and requesting that instructions might be given for the evacuation of British subjects from the provinces concerned. Missionaries have been requested to keep in close touch with local authorities and to follow their advice.
§ 16. Mr. CHORLTONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any information as to military operations on a comprehensive scale between General Fu Tso-yi, Chinese Governor of Suiyuan, acting on behalf of the Central Government of China, and a mixed force of Manchukuoan and Mongol troops; and whether there is any evidence as to whether the insurgent forces are supported by the Japanese Government or military authorities?
§ Mr. EDENThere have been numerous and conflicting reports regarding the incursion of a force of Mongolians and irregulars under a bandit leader into the province of Suiyuan. This incursion appears to have been successfully opposed by General Fu Tso-yi, the Governor of the province. I have no information to show that active support is being afforded to the irregulars by Manchukuo or Japanese regular troops.
§ Mr. STEPHENHave His Majesty?s, Government accorded belligerent rights to the Central Government in this case?