HC Deb 08 February 1939 vol 343 cc924-5
11. Sir John Wardlaw-Milne

asked the Prime Minister whether the Whangpoo Conservancy Board is still prevented by the Japanese authorities from carrying out its work of dredging the approach to Shanghai; and what information he has received as to the silting of the channel owing to the cessation of the board's activities?

Mr. Butler

Yes, Sir. Discussions are, however, proceeding at Shanghai and some progress has been made. As regards the second part of the question, no recent reports about silting have been brought to the notice of my Noble Friend.

Sir J. Wardlaw-Milne

May I ask whether it is not possible for the Government to bring a little more pressure to bear on the Japanese Government on this question, as the Whangpoo Conservancy Board acts not only in the interests of ourselves but in the interests of all nations?

Mr. Butler

We are pressing the importance of this point in the course of the negotiations now proceeding at Shanghai.

12. Sir J. Wardlaw-Milne

asked the Prime Minister whether he has considered the representations from the British Chamber of Commerce at Hong Kong, transmitted through the British Consul-General at Canton, asking for an expression of the attitude of His Majesty's Government towards the continued closing by the Japanese authorities of the Pearl River giving approach to Canton; and whether he will define the attitude of His Majesty's Government so that British business men may know the position, and arrange their affairs accordingly?

Mr. Butler

Yes, Sir. This matter has been receiving the urgent consideration of His Majesty's Government and a com- munication will shortly be addressed to the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce through the appropriate channel. As regards the second part of the question, His Majestys' Government propose to continue, as at present, to take all possible steps to secure the re-opening of the Pearl River.

Mr. Alexander

Can we expect any more results from these representations than we had in the case of the Yangtze?

Mr. Butler

The right hon. Gentleman is aware that this may be described as the centre of military activities. There are certain difficulties, but we are pressing our case as strongly as we can.

Sir J. Wardlaw-Milne

Is it not the case that even if Japan was at war with China it would be illegal?

Mr. Butler

All such considerations are being borne in mind.