§ Mr. Attlee(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs 1168 whether he has any further statement to make relative to the position in the Far East?
§ Mr. EdenYes, Sir. As the House will recall, immediately on the occurrence of the attacks on British shipping on the Yangtse His Majesty's Ambassador in Tokyo made the strongest representations to the Japanese Government. The House will have seen that the Japanese Government yesterday addressed a Note to His Majesty's Ambassador in Tokyo concerning attacks on His Majesty's ships. The following is the text of that Note:
Your Excellency, the Imperial Japanese Government deeply regret the occurrence of incidents in which His Majesty's ships Ladybird, Bee, Cricket and Scarab were accidentally bombed on 12th December in the neighbourhood of Wuhu and Nanking and I hereby offer a profound apology in their name. I have the honour to inform Your Excellency that the Imperial Government immediately took the necessary measures to prevent the recurrence of incidents of this nature and to add that they will deal suitably with those responsible for the incidents immediately on completion of their investigations and are also prepared to pay the necessary compensation for damage to your country.The Imperial Government earnestly hope that the occurrence of these unfortunate incidents will not impair the traditional friendship exising between our two countries.His Majesty's Government are to-day sending a communication to the Japanese Government acknowledging the receipt of this note, defining their attitude towards the whole series of incidents and emphasising the seriousness of the situation which has thus been created, and the requirements which in their judgment flow from it. His Majesty's Government are further drawing attention to aspects of the recent grave incidents not covered by the note of the Japanese Government. In particular, they wish to be assured that action is being taken of such a character as will definitely ensure that there shall be no repetition of these incidents which, as the Japanese Government themselves realise, must impair relations between the two countries. As the note is not yet in the hands of the Japanese Government, I am unable to give the House the text, which will, however, I hope be published to-morrow morning.
§ Mr. AttleeMay I ask the Prime Minister whether he will be able to give a day before the House rises for the discussion of foreign affairs—a day other than the 1169 Adjournment—so that it may be possible to have a full statement of the general range of affairs before we break up for the holidays?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think it is possible for me to say more in answer to the right hon. Gentleman's question than that when I am making arrangements for next week's business I will bear his request in mind. I would suggest that conversations should take place through the usual channels.