HC Deb 20 March 1940 vol 358 cc1955-6
5. Sir A. Knox

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the activities, in Tsinan, of an organisation known as the Anti-British Committee; whether this committee purports to be carrying on a trade boycott against British goods; of whom it consists; and by whom it is sponsored?

Mr. Butler

Yes, Sir. An Anti-British Committee exists in Tsinan and has been carrying on an active boycott against British goods. The committee professes to be private, and its chairman is a Chinese. My Noble Friend is calling for a further report on the points raised by my hon. and gallant Friend.

Mr. Robert Gibson

Is the chairman the only member of this organisation who is Chinese?

Mr. Butler

It is in order to get a clearer picture of this committee that we have asked for this report.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Is there any doubt that this committee is sponsored by the Japanese?

Mr. Butler

There is very little doubt.

6. Sir A. Knox

asked the Prime Minister whether a British news service in Chinese is available in North China to counter the untrue anti-British propaganda which is being widely circulated in that area?

The Minister of Information (Sir John Reith)

I have been asked to reply. There is an extensive Reuter news service to North China, but the supply of news to Chinese papers is the virtual monopoly of news agencies controlled by the authorities. News broadcasts in Chinese are given daily from Hong Kong and Shanghai.