HC Deb 10 May 1939 vol 347 cc448-50
4. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Prime Minister, in view of the recent decision of the Japanese Government not to enter into a fuller alliance with Germany and Italy for military and other purposes, whether he will take immediate steps to propose to the Japanese Government a cessation of its aggressive action in China and the withdrawal of her troops, and the immediate holding of a Far Eastern conference between all Powers affected, with a view to securing an agreement of non-aggression and of equitable economic co-operation?

Mr. Butler

My Noble Friend has only seen newspaper reports of such a decision. The views of His Majesty's Government were fully set out in their Note of 14th January to the Japanese Government.

Mr. Sorensen

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken any steps to ascertain the facts, to see whether they really relate to the newspaper reports to which he has referred?

Mr. Butler

I think the initiative in this matter lies with Japan.

Mr. Sorensen

Would it not be desirable that we should have the information, and has not the right hon. Gentleman the means of securing the information?

Mr. Gallacher

Would it not be better to assist the Chinese to drive the aggressors out of China?

10. Mr. R. Morgan

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make it plain to the Japanese Government that His Majesty's Government will decline to consider any change in the constitution of the Shanghai Municipal Council in favour of the Japanese until the Japanese authorities have demonstrated their ability to maintain order in the districts under their control surrounding the International Settlement?

Mr. Butler

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on Monday last to my hon. Friends the Members for Kidderminster (Sir J. Wardlaw-Milne) and Preston (Mr. Moreing) to which I have at present nothing to add.

13. Mr. David Adams

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received any reports on the results of the recent Japanese bombing of Chungking, especially with regard to the loss of life among civilian non-combatants?

15. Mr. Jagger

asked the Prime Minister whether, with a view to its publication, he will ask the British representatives at Chungking for a full report on the recent air raid on the city, the number of civilians killed and wounded, and the amount of actual damage to Chinese military equipment?

Mr. Butler

During the course of an air raid on Chungking on 4th May explosive and incendiary bombs were dropped in various parts of the city. One explosive bomb dropped in the native staff quarter of the British Consulate General and I much regret to say that two Chinese members of the staff were killed and 11 wounded. My noble Friend is now awaiting a fuller report on the general results of the raid. His Majesty's Ambassador in Tokyo has been instructed to protest vigorously to the Japanese Government.

Mr. T. Williams

Has the right hon. Gentleman made any protest against the adverse effect on British nationals or against the bombing?

Mr. Butler

The first consideration was the making of a protest, but I can assure the hon. Member that the effect on British nationals will also be discussed.

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