HC Deb 18 July 1938 vol 338 cc1785-6
13. Mr. Chorlton

asked the Prime Minister what action is proposed to set at rest the widespread fears of the British community in Shanghai that the Japanese Government is deliberately encouraging Japanese commercial undertakings to follow close on the military advance in the Yangtze basin, while placing obstacles in the way of British firms on the alleged ground of military necessity; and what communications he has had with the Japanese Government on the subject?

Mr. Butler

The most recent communication from the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs expresses readiness to take certain steps to allay the anxiety felt for British rights and interests. His Majesty's Ambassador at Tokyo is continuing to press the Japanese Government on this subject.

34. Mr. Moreing

asked the Prime Minister whether he will again protest to the Japanese Government against the bombings of Canton, and express the horror felt by all civilised peoples at the continual destruction of defenceless Chinese far from any point of military importance?

Mr. Butler

I have not received full official information regarding the more recent bombing of Canton, but such information as I have received tends to show that the objectives were military and that the civilian casualties did not bear a high proportion to the total.

Mr. Moreing

Is my hon. Friend aware that in the raids which took place on Thursday and Friday of last week, before I put down this question, according to the information which appeared in the "Times" and the "Daily Telegraph" most of the bombs fell upon the river population of Canton, far away from any military objectives; and will he take steps to find out what is the true state of affairs and not be fobbed off with any statement which the Japanese authorities care to put out?

Mr. Butler

In such a serious matter as this I should certainly not wish to have incomplete information, and that is why I have said that we have not yet received full information. When we have I will communicate it to the House.

Mr. Moreing

Could my hon. Friend ask for this information to be got as quickly as possible? This is a terrible state of affairs.

Mr. Butler

Yes, I will press for the information to be sent as quickly as possible.

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