HC Deb 15 June 1938 vol 337 cc191-3
1. Mr. Neil Maclean

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that Japanese officials in Nanking are refusing to allow Britons who have property there to enter for the purpose of inspecting and/or protecting their property; and what steps he is taking to stop those officials from such actions?

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

I am aware that restrictions have been placed on the return of British subjects to Nanking. Representations on the subject have been made to the Japanese Government by His Majesty's Ambassador in Tokyo.

Mr. Maclean

May I ask whether any reply has been received yet, and whether the hon. Gentleman can give any statement to the House as to the nature of the representations that have been made?

Mr. Butler

The nature of the representations has been to facilitate the return of the British subjects concerned, and as far as we know the Japanese attitude, it is that that section of the Yangtse Valley forms part of the area of military operations.

2. Mr. Maclean

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that Japanese officials have been ordering Chinese traders to stop selling any British or American goods; and what action he has taken or is taking to protect the interests of British traders there?

Mr. Butler

My Noble Friend has received no evidence to show that orders of the nature referred to have been issued. As regards the second part of the question, His Majesty's Government are naturally taking such action as may be appropriate to protect the interests of British traders in China.

Mr. Maclean

As the hon. Gentleman states in reply to the question that no information has been received, will inquiries be made as to the accuracy of reports which have stated what is being asked in the first part of the question?

Mr. Butler

Certainly, if the hon. Member will give me any information in his possession, I shall be glad to have it.

Mr. Callacher

Can the traders in China expect as much protection from the Government as the British seamen in Spain?

3. Mr. Maclean

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make any further statement regarding the full effects of the Japanese air attacks upon the civilian population of Canton; and whether any protest has been made by the Government against these attacks?

Mr. Butler

The official estimates of casualties which have been received up to the present are incomplete. Reports indicate, however, that between 3,500 and 4,000 persons were killed and wounded between 28th May and 10th June. As the House is aware, His Majesty's Government have protested to the Japanese Government against this indiscriminate bombing of civilian areas and thickly populated centres.

Mr. Maclean

Has any reply been received by the Government to their protests?

Mr. Butler

Certain preliminary observations have been made to our Ambassador by the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs, who has promised to send a considered reply.

Vice-Admiral Taylor

Is Canton a legitimate military objective of the Japanese?

5. Mr. Day

asked the Prime Minister particulars of the most recent reports received from His Majesty's representative in China as to the conditions now existing in that country; whether the Powers interested in that country have recently conferred together with a view to using their good offices for the peaceful solution of the present difficulties; and has any joint proposal for diplomatic assistance been suggested?

Mr. Butler

His Majesty's Ambassador naturally reports from time to time on various aspects of the situation in China with particular reference to British interests affected. As regards the second and third parts of the question, the answer is in the negative, and the situation remains as stated in the Prime Minister's answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Bilston (Mr. Hannah) on 11th May.

Mr. Day

Have joint diplomatic representations been made on this subject?

Mr. Butler

I cannot add to the Prime Minister's statement to which I have referred the hon. Member.