HC Deb 20 December 1937 vol 330 cc1579-80
8. Mr. Watkins

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, under the League of Nations scheme for technical collaboration with China in its campaign against epidemics, it is proposed to promote the formation in this country of one or more mobile units, as has been done in France?

Mr. Eden

Yes, Sir; the Secretary-General of the League of Nations is making arrangements for the formation of an English-speaking unit. I understand that Dr. R. C. Robertson, head of the Division of Pathology and Bacteriology at the Lester Institute of Medical Research, Shanghai, has accepted the post of epidemic commissioner and leader of the unit, and that the other members of the unit are in process of selection. The interested Departments of His Majesty's Government are giving all possible assistance to the Secretary-General and Dr. Robertson in the performance of their task.

Mr. Watkins

Can the right hon. Gentleman state that in this very praiseworthy humanitarian work our country will lag behind no other?

Mr. Eden

That is quite clear. That is what we are doing, as I have just described.

Mr. Alexander

Has there been any protest from Japan?

Mr. Eden

There is no occasion for anybody to protest. Action of this kind is fully justified.

Mr. Alexander

Hear, hear.

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