§ Mr. Arthur Greenwood (by Private Notice)asked the Prime Minister whether he has any further information to give to the House regarding the situation in the Far East?
§ The Prime MinisterThe barrier restrictions at Tientsin remain unchanged. Certain British subjects who passed the barriers report long delays and strict search. Sufficient quantities of fresh food for daily consumption are entering the Concessions after much delay. About this time women and children generally leave Tientsin for seaside resorts to escape the hot weather. Arrangements are being made to expedite their departure, and the first party is reported to have already left.
His Majesty's ship "Sandwich" arrived at Tientsin on 20th June, and His Majesty's ship "Lowestoft," which was being relieved, will remain there for the present.
In South China, Japanese naval and military forces landed in the vicinity of Swatow at dawn on 21st June. Arrangements are being made for the evacuation of British women and children from Swatow, and the necessary merchant ships are being diverted to that port. The Japanese naval authorities have promised to facilitate the evacuation and to respect British property. His Majesty's ship "Thanet" is now at Swatow, and His Majesty's ship "Scout" was due to arrive there at daylight this morning.
The food situation at Kulangsu has deteriorated, in that supplies from Amoy and the mainland have been cut off. There is, however, at present no difficulty in getting foodstuffs in by ships of third Powers.
§ Mr. GreenwoodIn view of what are now becoming repeated acts of aggression, though they may not be directed immediately against this country, is the right hon. Gentleman considering taking rather stronger action to express the displeasure that His Majesty's Government feel against the Japanese Government tolerating these acts of aggression?
§ The Prime MinisterThe right hon. Gentleman may be assured that His Majesty's Government view with very grave concern the acts to which he has referred. In the case of Tientsin, where the situation is most acute, we are, of 2452 course, still hoping that it may be possible by negotiation to settle the local issues, but, if these negotiations should fail, we are considering what further steps we should take.
§ Sir John Wardlaw-MilneArising out of the Prime Minister's first reply, may I ask whether he is aware that reports have been current in Japan that the British Ambassador appeared two or three days ago before the Foreign Secretary of Japan to sue for mercy; and will he make it perfectly clear that there is not one word of truth in that preposterous suggestion?
§ The Prime MinisterOf course, on the face of it, such a suggestion will at once be seen to be preposterous. Nothing of the kind has ever occurred.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerWith regard to the local incidents at Tientsin, is it not becoming increasingly clear that this is a general aggressive attack on all foreign rights in China; and will the Prime Minister bear in mind that this may be a new attempt at world domination in the Far East?
§ The Prime MinisterI hope that that will not prove to be the case. If it were, it would be very serious.
§ Mr. GallacherIs not that the result of your Munich policy?
§ Mr. ManderHow many British subjects have to be insulted, stripped and killed before the British Government will do anything effective?