HC Deb 01 March 1939 vol 344 cc1234-5
7. Mr. Hannah

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Japanese authorities at Tientsin have surrounded the British and French concessions with barricades and live wires; and whether he will take steps to ensure that full freedom of movement and actions shall be secured for the British residents of Tientsin and their employés?

Mr. Butler

Yes, Sir, and the matter is being taken up with the Japanese Government.

13. Mr. Moreing

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the fact that the Japanese-sponsored government in Nanking has announced a silent war against the International Settlement and French concessions of Shanghai and against British and French ships in the Far East; and whether he will inform the Japanese Government that His Majesty's Government do not recognise the so-called Nanking Reformed Government, and will hold the Japanese Government responsible for any hostile action from areas controlled by the Japanese against the International Settlement or against British ships in the Far East?

Mr. Butler

Yes, Sir. My Noble Friend has seen the Press reports on the subject, but he has not received any official confirmation. As regards the second part of the question, the Japanese Government can be in no doubt that His Majesty's Government do not recognise the Reformed Government at Nanking, and any further statement of our attitude appears to be unnecessary.

Mr. Moreing

Will my right hon. Friend consider making the latter part of his reply known as widely as possible, in view of the fact that the facts in the question were broadcast by the B.B.C. on Sunday night?

Mr. Butler

I will see what can be done.

Mr. Gallacher

Is not the Government at Nanking very much in the same position as the Franco Government?

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