HC Deb 14 April 1938 vol 334 cc1305-6
50. Mr. Arthur Henderson

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether with a view to extending aid to China, as recommended by the Assembly of the League in the resolution of 5th October. 1937, he will facilitate the granting of long-term credits to the Chinese Government so as enable them to maintain effectively their resistance to Japanese aggression?

Lieut.-Colonel Colville

If in present circumstances the Chinese Government found it possible to obtain long-term credits from British financial institutions, any request for my right hon. Friend's consent to such an operation would be sympathetically considered.

Mr. Henderson

Will the Prime Minister say whether His Majesty's Government will encourage the financial agencies of this country to grant those credits, in view of the statement made by Dr. Sun Foo, the President of the Chinese Legislative Assembly, only the day before yesterday, that financial aid from other countries would enable China to shorten the war?

The Prime Minister

That appears to be a matter of opinion. As a matter of fact, I think the question is under the consideration of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Mr. Noel-Baker

If necessary, will the Government consider giving Government guarantees for this purpose in pursuance of their obligations under the Covenant of the League?

77. Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make concerning an attack by a Japanese soldier at Peking on 7th April upon a British officer and sergeant arriving from Tientsin?

The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Butler)

This incident is at present under investigation by the local British and Japanese authorities, and I am not in a position to make any definite statement for the moment.