§ 9. Sir John Haslamasked the Prime Minister whether he has received any further information in connection with the importation into Macao of Iranian opium designed for the Japanese authorities for distribution and sale to the Chinese; and, if so, whether he will state its nature?
§ Mr. ButlerI have received no information with regard to the consignment in question other than Press reports of the speech made by the United States delegate at the session of the Opium Advisory Committee on 21st June.
§ Sir J. HaslamCannot the Government do something to suppress this abominable trade? It looks as though it is being done with a deliberate object by the Japanese?
§ Mr. ButlerIn answer to a previous question I have said that His Majesty's Government have this matter in mind.
§ Mr. George GriffithsDoes not the hon. Member know that His Majesty's Government can do nothing with the Japanese Government?
§ 19. Mr. Dayasked the Prime Minister particulars of the reply received by His Majesty's Government to the protest made to the Japanese relative to their occupation of British-owned works at Shanghai?
§ Mr. ButlerI am not yet in a position to make any statement in this matter.
§ Mr. DayDo the Government recognise the right of the Japanese Government to take possession of British property in the International Settlement?
§ Mr. ButlerThat is precisely the question under consideration, and that is why we have made representations.