§ Mr. Noel-Baker(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether he can make a statement concerning the action of the Japanese authorities at Swatow in preventing the British ships "Seistan" and "Kwangtung" from entering the port, and in occupying Messrs. Butterfield & Swire's wharf and hauling down the British flag; and concerning the declaration of the Japanese Commander at Tientsin that the blockade of the British Concession will be intensified.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Butler)These two ships did not call at Swatow on the advice of the local British naval authorities. Obstructions have been placed in the neighbourhood of Messrs. Butterfield & Swire's wharf, but it has not been occupied. My noble Friend's reports do not confirm accounts of the hauling down of a British flag there, or of the statement attributed to the Japanese Commander at Tientsin.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerHas the right hon. Gentleman seen the statement that booms have now been placed across the ports of Foochow and Wenchow, and that the Japanese authorities in Tientsin have said that the Concession will be completely closed from Saturday; and is it not plain that this is part of a general policy of aggression with which it is impossible to deal by treating the incidents in an isolated way?
§ Mr. ButlerI have seen reports in the Press, but my Noble Friend has no official confirmation of the situation described at Foochow and Wenchow. On the subject of Tientsin the House is aware that negotiations are to start in 798 Tokyo. I have nothing at present to add to the statement that the Prime Minister has made on the subject.
§ Mr. Arthur HendersonWas it not understood that while the negotiations were taking place there should be some relaxation of the blockade rather than an intensification of it?
§ Mr. ButlerYes, Sir. As I said in my original reply, we have no official confirmation of the report of the statement attributed to the Japanese military commander.