§ 5. Mr. Dayasked the Prime Minister what has been the result of the representations made by His Majesty's Government to the Japanese Government on the situation caused by the growth of smuggling in Northern China; and what action has been taken to check this illicit traffic?
§ Mr. ButlerAccording to my Noble Friend's information, there has been an appreciable decrease in smuggling in North China.
§ Mr. DayCan the hon. Member say whether any representations have been made by the United States Government on the subject?
§ Mr. ButlerI should require notice of that question.
§ 9. Commander Marsdenasked the Prime Minister what has been the result of the representations made by His Majesty's Ambassador in Tokyo, on 13th July, with regard to the restoration to the Shanghai Municipal Council of the districts of Hongkew and Yangtzepoo?
§ Mr. ButlerDiscussions in regard to this matter are still continuing, and I am unable to make a statement at present.
§ Commander MarsdenAs it is as long ago as July last that these representations were made, can my hon. Friend say whether any advance has been made at all?
§ Mr. ButlerI have said that discussions are proceeding, but I am unable to make a statement at the present time. I realise the urgency of the matter.
§ 11. Mr. Hannahasked the Prime Minister whether he is satisfied with the reply received from the Japanese Government in July as to the effect of the reorganisation by the Japanese of the Peking-Mukden and other railways in North China upon British rights and interests in these railways?
§ Mr. ButlerNo, Sir. His Majesty's Ambassador at Tokyo made further representations on 3rd September urging that the British rights deriving from the Agreements of 1898 and 1902 should be restored. The reply of the Japanese Government is still awaited.
§ 12. Mr. Hannahasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that British trade in North China is still held up by the continued imposition of an inconvertible paper currency by the Japanese; whether any, and, if so, what, action has been taken by the Japanese Government to permit the resumption of normal credit facilities; and, if not, what action is he taking in the matter?
§ Mr. ButlerHis Majesty's Government are aware of the position and it is being closely watched.
§ 18. Mr. Hamilton Kerrasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of Japan's action in hampering foreign trade carried on by sea on the East of China, the British Government will pay increased attention to the importance of railway communication between Burma and South-western China and will co-operate with the Chinese Government, which has now the matter in hand, in constructing both a road and a railway which will carry British exports free from Japanese interference?
§ Mr. ButlerIt is hoped that an all-weather road from Lashio to Yunnanfu 844 will be open to regular traffic shortly. The practicability of constructing a railway is, I understand, now being examined by the financial interests concerned.