§ 75. Mr. A. Hendersonasked the Prime Minister whether he can make a statement on the present military situation in China?
§ The Prime MinisterThere has been considerable fighting in South Shantung 2184 and along the line of the Tientsin-Pukow railway north of the important railway junction of Hsuchow. In this area the Chinese appear to be counter-attacking with some success, but reports are conflicting and the exact situation is obscure. Meanwhile, the Japanese advance northwards along the Tientsin-Pukow railway has halted, and on this and other fronts only minor operations have been proceeding. Guerilla attacks on Japanese lines of communication continue in a number of localities.
§ Mr. HendersonAre His Majesty's Government doing everything they can to assist the Chinese Government, in accordance with the resolution passed by the League Assembly in October of last year?
§ The Prime MinisterThe hon. Member had better put that question on the Paper.
§ 76. Mr. Noel-Bakerasked the Prime Minister whether he will call for a report from His Majesty's diplomatic, consular and other agents in China concerning the methods of warfare employed by the Japanese army, and concerning the systematic destruction of non-miltary public and private property which they have done?
§ The Prime MinisterSome reports on this subject have been received, and I see no need to call for a special one. Any instances of destruction of British property by Japanese or Chinese troops which come to my notice are being taken up with the Japanese or Chinese Governments.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerAre not the Japanese army adopting methods of warfare which have not been known since the Thirty Years' War, and is not that a matter of general international importance which ought to be brought authoritatively to the notice of public opinion?
§ The Prime MinisterA good deal of property has been destroyed on both sides.