4. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the distance of our Embassy from the now established headquarters of the Chinese Government, adequate steps are being taken to safeguard the trade position of this country in China immediately following the cessation of hostilities?
§ Mr. ButlerAs I informed my hon. Friend on 20th February, His Majesty's Ambassador spends a considerable time at Chungking where he now is. There is a permanent office of His Majesty's Embassy in Chungking through which the Ambassador maintains contact with the Chinese Government on all matters affecting British trade interests when he is at Shanghai or elsewhere.
Mr. De la BèreIs it not a fact that our Embassy is 1,800 miles distant from the Chinese headquarters and is there anyone from our Embassy at the new headquarters of sufficient status to ensure that there will be a satisfactory disposal of these important problems?
§ Mr. ButlerYes, Sir. Our Ambassador is there himself at present, and has been there since the beginning of the year. When he is not there somebody else of sufficient status is there to carry on negotiations.
§ Mr. ButlerNo, Sir.