HC Deb 13 February 1939 vol 343 cc1336-9
2. Mr. Hannah

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make a statement with regard to the relations between the British Concession at Tientsin and the Japanese authorities in that area; and whether he will give an assurance that His Majesty's Government are determined to protect British interests in the Concession against either military action or economic pressure?

The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Butler)

On 14th December last barriers were placed by the Japanese military authorities in Tientsin at all exits from the British and French Concessions, and movements of persons and merchandise were subjected to considerable restrictions. The reason given for the measures in question was the necessity for taking precautions against anti-Japanese activities. Representations were immediately made to the local Japanese authorities and to the Japanese Government, and the situation will continue to be closely watched.

3. Mr. Moreing

asked the Prime Minister whether the approach to Canton by the Pearl River has been closed to commercial shipping by the Japanese authorities, and, if so, for how long; and what action has been taken by His Majesty's Government to protect British interests?

Mr. Butler

The river is at present closed. His Majesty's Government have made representations to both the Governments which have at different times been responsible for the closure, and they propose to continue, as at present, to take all possible steps to secure the reopening of the river.

4. Mr. Moreing

asked the Prime Minister what point has been reached in the negotiations with the Japanese Government on the question of British interests in the Shanghai-Nanking, Shanghai-Hangchow, and the Peiping-Mukden railways, particularly with regard to the currency in which the revenue is being collected; the provision being made to secure payment of interest to British bondholders; and the inspection of the Shanghai-Nanking line by British engineers?

Mr. Butler

The position remains as stated in the answer which I gave to my hon. Friend on 21st December. The question has been under re-examination with a view to deciding what further action would be likely to be effective.

Mr. Moreing

May I ask my right hon. Friend to press this matter, because when I asked a question about it on 21st December, I was told that the subject was then under consideration? Cannot he do anything about it?

Mr. Butler

I will certainly do what I can.

5. Mr. Moreing

asked the Prime Minister what has been the result of the negotiations with the Japanese Government on the subject of their encroachment on the administration of the International Settlement in Shanghai; and whether arrangements have yet been made for the restoration of the Yangtzepoo and Hongkew districts to the control of the Shanghai Municipal Council?

Mr. Butler

The question of the resumption of control by the Shanghai Municipal Council over the districts named is now under discussion between the Council and the local Japanese authorities. Pending the result of these discussions it is not proposed to approach the Japanese Government in the matter.

14. Mr. Hannah

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Japanese authorities, in pressing foreign bankers in China to recognise the currency of their Chinese Federal Reserve Bank, have refused to authorise the Federal Reserve Bank and the Japanese banks to sell foreign exchange against Federal Reserve Bank currency; and whether he will represent to the Japanese Government the futility of asking for the recognition of a currency which is not permitted to be a medium of exchange?

Mr. Butler

As stated in my reply to my hon. Friend on 16th November last, His Majesty's Government are aware of the position. They do not feel that representations of the nature suggested would serve any useful purpose at this juncture, since the Japanese Government are already aware of their view that the setting-up of an inconvertible currency in North China is calculated to be injurious to the interests of all Powers trading there. The matter will, however, be borne in mind.

23. Captain Peter Macdonald

asked the Prime Minister whether he has yet received any reply from the Japanese Government to the open door note of the British Government, with regard to China; and if so, whether he can state its nature?

7. Mr. Bartlett

asked the Prime Minister whether any reply has yet been received from the Japanese Government in reply to the note of His Majesty's Government of 14th January, 1939, stating that they are not prepared to accept or recognise changes brought about by force; and, if so, what are the terms of the reply?

Mr. Butler

No reply has yet been received.

Captain Macdonald

Will the right hon. Gentleman press the Japanese Government for a reply in view of the long period which has elapsed since the note was sent?

Mr. Butler

I think that the Japanese Government are aware of our wish to have a reply as soon as possible.

26. Commander Marsden

asked the Prime Minister whether he has now received full information from His Majesty's consul-general at Shanghai of the formation of the Yangtze River Steamship Company, under Japanese control; whether such information points to an attempt to exercise a monopoly of shipping on the Yangtze; and what action he has taken to protect British shipping?

Mr. Butler

His Majesty's Consul-General at Shanghai reports that he has received information to the effect that little headway has been made with the proposed formation of the Yangtze River Steamship Company, and that it appears doubtful whether the new company has yet acquired any tonnage. In other respects the situation as regards navigation on the Yangtze remains unchanged. Renewed representations were made to the Japanese Government by His Majesty's Ambassador at Tokyo on 14th January last.

31. Sir John Wardlaw-Milne

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that Japanese forces have been landed on the island of Hainan; and whether he will immediately consult with the French Government with a view to the joint protection of Anglo-French interests?

Mr. Butler

Yes, Sir. My Noble Friend is already in touch with the French Government on this matter.

Sir J. Wardlaw-Milne

May I ask whether the Japanese Government gave any previous notice of their intention to occupy the island of Hainan, and whether they have given the British or French Governments any information as to the duration of their occupation?

Mr. Butler

In view of the serious nature of this matter I should require to have notice of those two important questions.