§ 4. Mr. A. Hendersonasked the Prime Minister whether, in accordance with the resolution passed on 2nd February at the last meeting of the League Council, His Majesty's Government have examined, in consultation with other similarly interested Governments, the feasibility of any further steps which may contribute to a just settlement of the Sino-Japanese conflict?
§ The Prime MinisterThe terms of the resolution to which the hon. Member refers are familiar to His Majesty's Government, who have, however, no indication that the present moment is opportune for any active steps in the direction indicated in the resolution. The situation will continue to be closely watched.
§ 11. Mr. Moreingasked the Prime Minister whether British merchants are being allowed by the Japanese military authorities to send their Chinese employés to move merchandise into and out of British-owned warehouses in the occupied area in the international settlement in Shanghai?
§ Mr. ButlerBritish subjects have for some time been able to deal with their property at British warehouses and I 1607 have no reason to suppose that they are now prevented from sending Chinese employés to handle it.
§ 12. Mr. Moreingasked the Prime Minister how far hostilities have now moved from Shanghai; and what steps His Majesty's Government are taking to secure the withdrawal of Japanese troops from the International Settlement and to assist the British community to restore the trade and industries of the port?
§ Mr. ButlerThe main front has moved about 200 miles from Shanghai, but severe fighting between Chinese guerilla bands and Japanese troops has occurred within 60 miles of the city. His Majesty's Government are doing everything in their power to ensure a return to normal peacetime conditions.
§ Mr. MoreingIs my hon. Friend aware that the Settlement police are perfectly able to maintain order throughout the whole of the International Settlement; and will he take steps to protect British trade and the trade of other countries, and see that the Japanese troops are removed from the Settlement?
§ Mr. ButlerAs I said in the original answer, His Majesty's Government are doing their best to ensure the return to normal peace-time conditions.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerCan the hon. Gentleman tell the House upon what grounds the Japanese justify the retention of troops in the Settlement?
§ Mr. ButlerThe hon. Gentleman may not realise that they have the same rights as other countries as regards stationing of troops in Shanghai.
§ Mr. MoreingDoes my hon. Friend really suggest that the Japanese occupation of Yangtse-pu and Hongkew is comparable to the position of the British, American and French in Shanghai? The cases are entirely different.