§ 8. Sir John Haslamasked the Prime Minister whether, in the recent negotiations with regard to the Chinese Customs revenue, His Majesty's Government have been able to obtain any agreement with the Japanese Government to put an end to the abuses arising from the examination of Japanese cargoes by Japanese examiners and Japanese tide-waiters, and to restore the former international system of inspection for Customs purposes?
§ Mr. ButlerIt is true that Chinese and foreign employés of the Customs are excluded from certain wharves in Shanghai, but I would like to make it clear that the Japanese examiners and tide-waiters to whom my hon. Friend refers are regular employés of the Customs service and have received their appointments in the ordinary way.
§ Sir J. HaslamIs it not a fact that the bulk of these cargoes are examined by Japanese although it is an International Settlement; and is that not most unfair to Lancashire and British exporters generally, with whom the Japanese are keen competitors?
§ Mr. ButlerI have pointed out that these Japanese are employés of the Customs service.
§ 17. Mr. Hannahasked the Prime Minister whether, seeing that the war in China 1558 has largely reached a deadlock, he will consider offering British mediation, or inviting the United States of America to join in mediation, in order to restore peace?
The Prima MinisterHis Majesty's Government would be glad to offer their services either alone or in conjunction with other Powers to bring about an equitable peace beween China and Japan. They do not, however, consider that any useful purpose would be served by offering mediation until both sides have indicated their willingness to accept it.
§ 18. Mr. Hannahasked the Prime Minister whether the Japanese Government, in notifying the arrangements relating to the disposal of the Customs revenue in China, have given any assurance or made any statement relating to the repeated complaints that Japanese goods are being admitted into Shanghai without payment of duty?
§ Mr. ButlerIn the course of the recent Customs negotiations the Japanese Government assured His Majesty's Government that they intend that normal conditions should be restored and that payment of duty by all Japanese importers should be ensured at the earliest possible date.