HC Deb 16 February 1938 vol 331 cc1859-61
6. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any reply has been received from the Japanese Government to the note of protest presented by His Majesty's Ambassador in Tokyo on behalf of His Majesty's Government, asking for an assurance that the Japanese forces had received strict orders to respect British territory and territorial waters at Hong Kong?

Mr. Eden

Yes, Sir. The Japanese Government, in their reply, expressed their regret that British territorial waters were entered without the consent of a British authority, and stated that those responsible have been dealt with appropriately in accordance with the law. The Imperial naval authorities have also sent strict instructions to the naval detachments in China to take adequate precautions against the recurrence of such incidents.

Mr. Henderson

Will that reply cover the military side of the Japanese operations?

Mr. Eden

This is in connection with the particular naval incident which I think the hon. Member has in mind.

Mr. Mander

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Japanese Navy is under the control of the civil Government?

13. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the nature of the reply given to the series of demands presented on 4th January to the chairman of the Shanghai Municipal Council by the Japanese Consular, naval, and military authorities?

Mr. Eden

The Council have the matter under consideration, but no reply has yet been given.

15. Mr. Riley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government has consulted any other Government or the Council of the League of Nations regarding the prohibition of imports from and exports to Japan pending a cessation of Japan's aggression against China?

Mr. Eden

This question has been fully explored, and the results are embodied in the Assembly Resolution of 6th October which was re-affirmed by the Council resolution of 2nd February.

Mr. Riley

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the very widespread and growing opinion in this country that such action as that mentioned in the question ought to be taken in regard to aggression by Japan against China?

Mr. Eden

That is a matter of opinion, but I should imagine that there was general understanding that international action depended on international co-operation.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Has it not become increasingly clear that in fact economic action would be effective to restrain Japanese aggression?

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