§ 2. Commander Marsdenasked the Prime Minister whether the representations made by His Majesty's Government to the Japanese Government on 14th January, respecting the re-opening of the Yangtze River to commercial traffic, have had any effect?
§ Mr. ButlerThe position remains unchanged, but we are continuing to press for the early restoration of normal trading conditions.
§ 3. Commander Marsdenasked the Prime Minister what has been the practical effect on trade with North China of the regulations imposed at the instance of the Japanese Government, under which, since nth March, a high proportion of the export trade of North China is prohibited unless the foreign exchange proceeds are sold against Federal Reserve banknotes at 1s. 2d.; and what answer has been received from the Japanese Government to the protest of His Majesty's Government?
§ Mr. ButlerThese regulations have resulted in the cessation of practically all the foreign trade of Tientsin, and, so far as my Noble Friend is aware, of other North China ports as well. We are still awaiting the Japanese Government's reply.
§ 9. Major Stourtonasked the Prime Minister whether the representations of His Majesty's Government to the Japanese Government relating to the seizure and confiscation by the Japanese of the British-owned cotton mill at Ghun-Tah, on the Soochow Creek, have yet secured the restoration of the mill to its lawful owner; and, if not, whether he will introduce legislation to authorise the impounding of securities in this country belonging to the Japanese Government to the value of British-owned property in China wrongfully seized by the Japanese authorities?
§ Mr. ButlerMy Noble Friend is at present awaiting further information from His Majesty's Ambassador in China as to the present position in regard to the Chun Tah and other cotton mills occupied by Japanese at Shanghai.
§ 15. Captain Alan Grahamasked the Prime Minister what has been the result of his representations, both to the Imperial Japanese Government and to the local Japanese authorities at Shanghai, on the danger to life and property owing to the lack of control and general prevalence of disorder and lawlessness in the so-called bad lands in Shanghai, outside the jurisdiction of the Shanghai Municipal Council, and at present occupied by the Japanese military authorities?
§ Mr. ButlerIt is hoped that the arrangements which have been made for co-operation between the Shanghai Municipal Council and the Japanese authorities will result in an improvement in conditions in the areas in question.