HC Deb 22 May 1939 vol 347 cc1895-7
15. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make on the situation in the International Settlements at Shanghai and Amoy following the recent demands of the Japanese authorities for an increased share in the control of both settlements; and whether any reply to such demands has been sent to the Japanese Government by any of the Treaty Powers?

Mr. Butler

As the reply is a very full one, I will, with the hon. and learned Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Henderson

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether these demands have been refused?

Mr. Butler

In the case of Amoy, as the hon. and learned Gentleman will see from the statement which I am circulating, parties of men, numbering 42, supplied by each nationality have been landed from United States, British and French warships, and they will be withdrawn pari passu with the withdrawal of Japanese.

Mr. Henderson

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the demands of the Japanese Government for an increased measure of control of the International Settlements has been accepted or rejected?

Mr. Butler

We are awaiting a further reply from the Japanese Government.

Following is the reply:

The Japanese Government recently put forward suggestions for a revision of the land regulations in the International Settlement at Shanghai and in the constitution of the Chinese courts there. In reply His Majesty's Ambassador at Tokyo has made clear to the Japanese Government that, while His Majesty's Government would be ready in consultation with the other interested Powers to take part in negotiations regarding any revision needed, conditions in the Shanghai area are so far from normal that negotiations can not be initiated at present with any prospect of success, and that the question appears to them to be one which should await the development of more stable conditions; the same observations applied with equal force to the administration of the Chinese courts in the Settlements, which were established under multilateral agreement. It is understood that the United States Government have replied on similar lines.

To the representations made to them on the subject of the settlement at Amoy by His Majesty's Ambassador at Tokyo the Japanese Government have replied that the landing was an emergency measure, but that, as the landing party had largely realised their aim, they were already effecting a gradual withdrawal. Sir R. Craigie has expressed the earnest hope that this withdrawal will be expedited. Meanwhile, with a view to the early re-establishment of the authority of the Kulangsu Municipal Council, parties of men, 42 of each nationality, have been landed from the United States, British and French warships at present at Amoy. These will be withdrawn pari passu with the reduction in number of the Japanese landing-party.

16. Mr. Bellenger

asked the Prime Minister whether a full report has been received arising out of the incident at Shanghai on 24th April when Japanese marines forced their way into Hongkew General Hospital?

Mr. Butler

No, Sir, but my Noble Friend is expecting to receive in a few days' time a full report which has been sent to him by air mail by His Majesty's Consul-General at Shanghai.