HC Deb 03 May 1939 vol 346 cc1848-50
4. Sir John Wardlaw-Milne

asked the Prime Minister whether the Whangpoo Conservancy Board has yet been allowed to resume its work of dredging the approach to Shanghai?

Mr. Butler

No, Sir; but negotiations to this end with the Japanese authorities at Shanghai are being actively pursued and it is hoped that agreement may shortly be reached.

Sir J. Wardlaw-Milne

In view of the fact that these negotiations have been going on for a long time, and the fact that the work done by this board is of international importance to the shipping of all nations, will my right hon. Friend consider whether he should not try again?

Mr. Butler

My Noble Friend is aware of the value of the work done by the board, and I may be able to give a more hopeful answer as a result of the negotiations now proceeding.

5. Sir J. Wardlaw-Milne

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received a copy of the recent representations made by the Government of the United States to the Japanese Government on the re opening of the Yangtze to merchant vessels; and whether he is in touch with the United States Government in the matter?

Mr. Butler

The answer to both parts of the question is, Yes, Sir.

6. Mr. Hannah

asked the Prime Minister whether he has been able to secure the removal of the barricades round the British Concession at Tientsin; and how far he has been able to secure the restoration of normal conditions?

Mr. Butler

The position remains as stated in the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend on 3rd April. All possible steps are being taken to secure the restoration of normal conditions.

9. Commander Marsden

asked the Prime Minister whether he can state the result of his inquiries into the complaint that a British company in Shanghai were refused permission by the Japanese authorities for four of their British employés to go to Hankow although two American employés of the company were allowed to proceed?

Mr. Butler

Yes, Sir, and the facts in this instance are as stated. It appears, however, that in a similar case at about the same time discrimination was exercised in favour of a British subject.

10. Commander Marsden

asked the Prime Minister what is the present position of the negotiations with the Japanese Government on the subject of the reopening of the Yangtze to commercial traffic?

Mr. Butler

The position remains as stated in my reply to my hon. and gallant Friend on 5th April.

Commander Marsden

Does my right hon. Friend realise that these long delays are very detrimental to British trade and the position of this country?

Mr. Butler

Yes, Sir, that is fully realised, and that is why we trust that some solution will be found.