HC Deb 26 May 1939 vol 347 cc2683-6
13. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make a statement on the recent stopping and boarding near Hong Kong of the Peninsular and Oriental liner "Ranpura" by a Japanese warship?

16. Sir Gifford Fox

asked the Prime Minister the nature of the reports received from His Majesty's representative in the Far East as to the action of the Japanese warships in holding up the Peninsular and Oriental liner "Ranpura"; whether any official British protest has been made to the Japanese Government; and whether he can indicate the reply thereto, and what disciplinary action has been taken against the Japanese officer for highhanded action on the high seas?

18. Mr. De Chair

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make about the stopping of the s.s. "Ranpura" by a Japanese destroyer; and what action it is proposed to take to prevent such interference with British shipping in future?

Mr. Butler

The "Ranpura" was ordered to heave to and stop instantly by a Japanese cruiser four miles southeast of Hong Kong territory on the morning of 24th May. She was then boarded. Her register was inspected and her master had to fill in various forms. The boarding was of a routine character, no attempt being made to examine the manifest or the cargo. The Commander-in-Chief, China Station, has protested in the strongest terms to the Japanese naval authorities requesting an explanation of the incident and an assurance that steps will be taken to prevent its recurrence. His Majesty's Ambassador at Tokyo is similarly pressing the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs. The question of taking further action to protect British shipping from such interference is at present under consideration.

Mr. Henderson

Is the Minister aware of the declaration by the Japanese Government that they intend to establish a blockade on the Chinese coast; and would not such a blockade be contrary to international law; and if such blockade be established, will naval escorts be provided for British ships in those waters?

Mr. Butler

It is in view of such rumours and reports as that to which the hon. and learned Member refers, that the question of taking further action to protect British shipping is at present under consideration.

Mr. Henderson

Will it be made clear that in the view of His Majesty's Government such a blockade would be contrary to the rules of international law?

Mr. Butler

Yes, Sir.

Sir John Wardlaw-Milne

While we do not wish to say anything which would enhance the difficulties in the Far East, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman what he means by saying that this investigation by the Japanese was of a routine character? Surely the stopping and searching of a British vessel by vessels of a foreign Power, cannot be characterised as a matter of routine?

Mr. Butler

I am glad of the intervention of my hon. Friend which enables me at once to clear away any misapprehension on that score. No attempt was made to examine the manifest or the cargo, and the fact that the ship was boarded has received the denunciation of His Majesty's Government.

Mr. Wedgwood Benn

But is not the Japanese Government well aware of the line which was followed by the British Government in the case of the Spanish alleged blockade, and are they not modelling their conduct on General Franco's Government?

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

May I ask whether the further action which His Majesty's Government contemplates is in the nature of retaliatory action, or is merely to protect British shipping?

Mr. Butler

I cannot make any further statement, but I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that His Majesty's Government take a very serious view of this incident.

26. Sir G. Fox

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the Admiralty is satisfied that the British naval force in the Far East is sufficient to protect against any form of aggression British trading ships on their lawful occasions; and whether it is proposed to strengthen the force in question?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty (Mr. Shakespeare)

The question of adequate naval protection for merchant shipping in the Far East is receiving the constant attention of His Majesty's Government, but it is not in the public interest to disclose the future disposition of the Fleet.

Mr. De Chair

Is it not true that the situation is different in the case of Japan from that in Spanish waters, where British ships were asked by the Admiralty not to enter Spanish territorial waters, and that these British ships have every right to go where they are now being arrested by the Japanese?

Mr. Gallacher

If action is taken to protect these ships, is there not a danger of war, and was not that the favourite argument of the Government in connection with the situation in Spanish waters?

17. Mr. De Chair

asked the Prime Minister what steps are being taken by His Majesty's Government to secure the release of the steamship "Sagres," which was seized by the Japanese on 8th April; and whether any explanation has been offered by the Japanese authorities for this prolonged detention?

Mr. Butler

Representations for the release of the "Sagres" have been made both in London and in Tokyo, and we shall continue to press the Japanese Government to expedite a settlement of this case. In reply to the second part of the question, I understand that the Japanese authorities claim still to be engaged in examining all the facts which they regard as relevant.

Mr. De Chair

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this British ship has now been detained for over six weeks and that the Prime Minister, in reply to a question put by me, said that the Chinese crew has been subjected to maltreatment in unsuccessfully endeavouring to secure favourable evidence, and can he assure the House that really vigorous action will be taken by the Government to secure the immediate release of this vessel?

Mr. Butler

I think the Prime Minister informed my hon. Friend that he regarded the situation in this case as completely unsatisfactory. That is the view of the Government, and we are pressing the case in that light.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of refusing clearance to some Japanese ship in a British port, until this British ship has been released?

Mr. Butler

The hon. and gallant Member may feel satisfied that all such considerations will be borne in mind.

Mr. Gallacher

Is it not the case that when protests were made from this side of the House against similar happenings off the coast of Spain, Members on the other side of the House jeered at us?