§ 5. Mr. Dayasked the Prime Minister the particulars of the replies received by His Majesty's Government from the Japanese authorities relative to the protest made for the occupation of British-owned works at Shanghai; the number of instances which have been reported to him in which British interests have been affected in this area; and whether he has any further information he can give the House regarding the position of affairs in the Far East?
§ Mr. ButlerThe matters referred to in the first two parts of the question are still under discussion between the two Governments, and I am not at present in a position to make any statement. As regards the third part, I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for Wentworth (Mr. Paling).
§ Mr. DayWhat right have the Japanese to take possession of British property in the International Settlement?
§ Mr. ButlerEach particular case has its particular circumstances surrounding it, and I cannot give any answer without knowing the circumstances of the particular case.
§ Mr. George GriffithsIs it not a fact that the dictators have every right so far as they are concerned?
§ 13. Mr. Arthur Hendersonasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the guaranteed loan to Czechoslovakia, His Majesty's Government will now consider the possibility of a loan being guaranteed to the Chinese Government for similar purposes?
§ Mr. ButlerHis Majesty's Government are at the moment unable to alter their decision not to introduce the legislation which would be necessary if a loan were to be guaranteed to China, but other practicable methods of assistance to China will continue to receive consideration.
§ Mr. HendersonIs it not a fact that hostilities have been taking place between China and Japan for 18 months, and is the House to understand that His Majesty's Government do not intend to give any assistance to China, although they have voted for the four resolutions at Geneva in favour of assistance to China?
§ Mr. ButlerThe Government intend to carry out the policy as initiated, that is, to follow the spirit of the resolutions.
§ Mr. DaltonIs it not true that there is a serious difference between the Foreign Office and the Treasury on this matter, and that that is why nothing has been done?
§ Mr. ButlerThe Government are always united on every matter.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerIf it is possible to make a loan to Turkey, with highly problematical results, will the Government not consider whether they can make a loan in this case in order to fulfil their obligations under the Covenant?
§ Mr. ButlerI cannot accept the insinuation in the hon. Member's question. There is a difference between China and Turkey.