§ 56. Mr. Manderasked the Prime Minister what steps he is taking to protect British and Dominion shipping in the Far East, while carrying on normal trading inside territorial waters and in port, from unlawful and deliberate attacks by hostile aircraft?
§ Mr. ButlerSince December last His Majesty's Government have not found it necessary to take any special steps for 1991 this purpose, as there has been no subsequent air attack on British shipping in China; but if, as I trust will not be the case, any further attack should occur, His Majesty's ships would take such action as is practicable. At present the movements and positions of British shipping are, when such precaution appears desirable, communicated to the Japanese authorities.
§ Mr. ManderIs the position in this matter precisely the same both in the Far East and in Spain?
§ Mr. ButlerNo, Sir. The position is not the same. In the Far East British ships have certain treaty rights in Chinese ports and territorial waters.