HC Deb 26 April 1939 vol 346 cc1108-9
2. Mr. Day

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the occupation of Inner Mongolia by Japanese troops is inconsistent with the obligations of the Japanese Government under the Nine-Power Treaty and constitutes a violation of same, he will give particulars of what action His Majesty's Government and/or the other signatories of this Treaty have decided to take?

Mr. Butler

The attitude of His Majesty's Government was made clear in the Note presented by His Majesty's Ambassador on 14th January last to the Japanese Government, to whom parallel representations in very similar sense were made on 31st December and 19th January on behalf of the United States and French Governments respectively.

Mr. Day

Has any considered reply been received to these notes?

Mr. Butler

I do not think we have a considered reply to our note.

10. Mr. Noel-Baker

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government have made representations to the Japanese Government concerning the unfair discrimination against foreign vessels in respect of the mooring accommodation in the port of Tsingtao?

Mr. Butler

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Will His Majesty's Government take some retaliatory action against the very unfair discrimination shown by the Japanese Government?

Mr. Butler

The House will be aware that certain berths have been made available for foreign shipping at Tsingtao. Up to 21st April these berths were regarded as sufficient for the shipping involved. Now there is a certain congestion, and the question of further extending facilities has been taken up with the Japanese.

12. Mr. Moreing

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received any re- port from His Majesty's representatives in China upon the formal demand by the Japanese authorities in Shanghai addressed to the Shanghai Municipal Council that the council shall prohibit the display of the Chinese national flag in the areas in the council's jurisdiction; and whether His Majesty's Government will support the Shanghai Municipal Council in resisting any such attempt to compel them to depart from the attitude of strict neutrality which they have hitherto observed?

Mr. Butler

No report to this effect has yet been received. Any request by the Municipal Council for assistance in a matter of this sort would receive careful consideration in consultation with the other interested Powers.