HC Deb 28 June 1938 vol 337 cc1705-7
49. Mr. Mander

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the advisability of guaranteeing a loan for the supply of military material to China on the basis of the precedent set in the case of Turkey and in pursuance of our obligations under the Covenant of the League of Nations?

Sir J. Simon

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 14th June by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in reply to a question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for the Isle of Wight (Captain P. Macdonald).

Mr. Mander

Are there not important British interests at stake here that would justify action on these lines, apart from anything else?

Sir J. Simon

The considerations are known to the hon. Member, and I cannot amplify my answer to-day.

76. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Prime Minister whether he will propose to the League of Nations the immediate consideration of means by which the economic needs of China and Japan can be assisted through League of Nations action and international agreement at the conclusion of hostilities, or earlier if opportunity offers?

Mr. Butler

The League Assembly at its last session recommended Member States to consider how far they could individually extend aid to China, and the Council at its meeting last May urged Members to do their utmost to give effect to previous recommendations on this subject, and to take into serious and sympathetic consideration requests received from the Chinese Government. Also there has been in existence since 1933 a committee, appointed by the League Council, for technical collaboration with China. No request has been received for economic assistance to Japan through League of Nations action.

Mr. Sorensen

Does the hon. Member realise that the economic factor is one of the most important causes of war, and requires far more initiative for His Majesty's Government to deal with it than they have exhibited up to now, and will he do his best to see that this important factor is kept in mind?

Mr. Butler

As I have already informed the House, the importance of this matter is fully realised by Members of His Majesty's Government.

Mr. Sorensen

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that everything possible is being done?

Mr. Butler

Yes, Sir.

Viscountess Astor

Is my hon. Friend aware that the failure of economic cooperation broke the heart of the late Mr. William Graham?