§ 9. Mr. A. Hendersonasked the Prime Minister the terms of the Chinese note defining China's attitude towards the Anglo-Japanese Agreement relating to the Chinese Customs?
§ Mr. ButlerI am informed that the Customs arrangement is still being considered by the Chinese National Defence Council and the final attitude of the Chinese Government towards it has not yet been determined. In the meantime a memorandum has been received from the Chinese Embassy reserving on behalf of 8 the Chinese Government their full rights and freedom of action in matters relating to the Chinese Customs.
§ Mr. A. HendersonWere these arrangements entered into by the British and Japanese Governments without any consultation with the Chinese Government?
§ Mr. ButlerI should require notice of that question.
10. Mr. David Adamsasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the greatly increased trafficking in drugs in China by Japanese and Korean traders under the control of the Japanese Government; and whether he will make strong representations to every possible source to prevent a systematic demoralisation of the Chinese people through these means?
§ Mr. ButlerI have received reports to the effect that recently this traffic has increased considerably, but I have no reason to suppose that this is the outcome of any systematic and deliberate plan. The League of Nations regularly receives information relating to the drug situation in Manchuria, and I believe that to achieve publicity in this way is more productive of results than any other.
Mr. AdamsMay I take it that the Govment are very much alive in this matter and are using their strongest representations on the subject?
§ Mr. ButlerHis Majesty's Government are doing their utmost in this matter.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerHave representations been made to the Japanese Government on the matter?
§ Mr. ButlerNo, Sir.
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherIs there not a great deal of evidence to show that the systematic demoralisation referred to is part of a deliberate policy on the part of the Japanese Government?
§ Mr. ButlerOur information does not bear out the hon. and gallant Gentleman's suggestion.
§ Sir A. SinclairHow does the hon. Gentleman reconcile the answer given to the hon. Member above the Gangway that the Government are doing their utmost in the matter with that given to the hon. Member for Derby (Mr. Noel-Baker) that they have made no representations to the Japanese Government?
§ Mr. ButlerI said in my original answer that the Government believe that to achieve publicity is more productive of results than anything. I think my answers are therefore quite consistent with each other.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerIs it not highly desirable that representations should be made to the Japanese Government so that the people of China should not be demoralised?
§ Mr. ButlerI will certainly consider the hon. Gentleman's suggestion.
11. Mr. David Adamsasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that in country markets in North China heroin and morphine are being systematically sold under the guise of medicine at prices as low as 1½d. for a packet of heroin; and whether steps are under consideration as to means of controlling the world production and distribution of these drugs?
§ Mr. ButlerI am aware that these drugs are being sold at very low prices in North China. As regards the world production and distribution of drugs, the hon. Member will be aware that the licit drug traffic is already regulated by the Opium Conventions of 1912, 1925 and 1931, and I can assure him that His Majesty's Government are taking every possible step to control and stamp out the clandestine manufacture and distribution of drugs on their territory. I may add that the appropriate committee of the League is shortly to consider what steps can be taken to limit the cultivation of the raw material from which all drugs are made.
Mr. AdamsIn view of the amazing increase in this illicit traffic, will the Government take immediate and practical steps in the matter?
§ Mr. ButlerI have just said that steps were being taken.
§ 17. Mr. Moreingasked the Prime Minister whether the recent appointment of a superintendent of Customs at Shanghai by the administration in Nanking, created by the Japanese Government, has been confirmed by Sir Frederick Maze, the Inspector-General of Chinese Customs; and whether the official appointed will be subordinate to and under the control of the Inspector-General?
§ Mr. ButlerAccording to my information, the answer to the question is in the 10 negative. Superintendents of Customs at ports in China are normally appointed directly by the Ministry of Finance. They are not under the control of the Inspector-General of Customs, although subordinate to him in rank, and their appointments are not confirmed by him.
§ Mr. MoreingIs my hon. Friend aware that there is a report that the Chinese Superintendent of Customs has been appointed by the puppet administration in Nanking? As we do not recognise that administration, ought we not to refuse to recognise such an appointment, which may have very dangerous results on our trade in Shanghai?
§ Mr. ButlerI am informed that the same principle which prevailed before prevails now.