§ 88. Mr. Manderasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make with reference to negotiations between this country and Japan concerning their interests in China; and whether the Government of the United States of America has been invited to co-operate?
§ Viscount CranborneThere have been no formal negotiations between His Majesty's Government and the Japanese Government concerning their respective interests in China. A number of informal conversations have, however, taken place in recent months with the Japanese Ambassador which have had as their object the better ordering of Anglo-Japanese relations generally, but no concrete suggestions have so far been made by either side in regard to their interests in China or any other matter. The desirability of keeping other interested Governments informed has not been overlooked.
§ Mr. ManderIs it hoped in due course to convert these informal conversations into formal negotiations?
§ Viscount CranborneIf the situation warrants it.
§ Viscount CranborneI should like notice of that question.