HC Deb 23 October 1940 vol 365 cc1025-9
7. Mr. Mander

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any knowledge of the position with regard to the arrangements for the supply to Japan during the next six months, of oil by Dutch, British and American Oil Companies in the Netherlands East Indies; whether these were made with the knowledge and approval of the British Government; and whether the embargo imposed at Hong Kong against supplies of all kinds to China has now been lifted?

8. Mr. Wedgwood

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to the large contracts of sale of oil from Dutch East Indies to Japan in which both British and American firms are concerned?

10. Sir Robert Gower

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to the sale by the combined oil companies of oil to Japan?

11. Mr. R. Morgan

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there is any understanding between Great Britain and the Dutch Government for the disposal of the raw products of the Dutch East Indies, and particularly as to the sale of oil?

Mr. Butler

I am aware that in connection with the visit of a Japanese Trade Delegation to Batavia discussions are taking place in regard to oil supplies from the Netherlands East Indies. According to my Noble Friend's information, no agreement has yet been reached and the negotiations are continuing. His Majesty's Government and the United States Government will continue to be kept informed of their general progress. Hon. Members will realise that the decision about the general character of any arrangements for the future rests with the Netherlands East Indies Government. There is no general embargo on supplies from Hong Kong to China. Restrictions imposed from time to time in the past two years on certain specified materials in the interests of the Colony have not been withdrawn.

Mr. Mander

In view of the fact that the Dutch Government is one of our Allies in this war and that Japan has joined our enemies, can we have an assurance that the British Government will use all the influence in their power to prevent this deal going through and further supplies of a warlike nature going to Japan?

Mr. Butler

I realise the importance of the point which the hon. Member has raised, but I must refer him to my answer, in which I said that any decision about the general character of the arrangement must rest with the Netherlands East Indies Government. But I can assure the hon. Member that His Majesty's Government and the United States Government are being kept fully informed and appreciate the importance of the transactions in progress.

Mr. Wedgwood

Is that answer the best the right hon. Gentleman can do? Does he wish the world to understand that the last word in this matter comes from the Dutch Government? Does he not realise that the British and American Governments together have a veto at present on anything that the Dutch Government might wish to do in connection with supplies to Japan?

Mr. Butler

The Netherlands East Indies Government have sovereignty over the East Indies.

Sir Joseph Lamb

Will some representations be made by our Government to the Dutch Government on this point?

Mr. Butler

I can assure the House that there is complete contact between the Governments concerned and that they are keeping each other informed of the progress of the negotiations.

Mr. Gallacher

Have not the Government in this country a controlling say in the Royal Dutch Oil Company?

Mr. Mander

I beg to give notice that owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I shall call attention to this matter again at the earliest opportunity.

9. Mr. Noel-Baker

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Ambassador in Chungking has sent reports concerning the indiscriminate bombing of the civilian population in Chungking, Kunming and elsewhere in China; and whether it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to permit British companies to sell oil to Japan for the conduct of the war?

Mr. Butler

My Noble Friend is at present awaiting a report on civilian air-raid casualties in China. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I have just given on the present aspect of this question.

Mr. Noel-Baker

In view of Mr. Matsuoka's recent declaration that if Germany and Italy were in danger of being beaten, it would be necessary for Japan to help them, should not the Government now decide that the British-controlled companies should not sell oil to Japan, thereby avoiding our experience with Italy?

Mr. Butler

The matter is not quite so simple as the hon. Member makes out. The location of the companies in question and the countries in which they are situated must also he taken into consideration. I realise, however, the value of the suggestion made by the hon. Member.

Mr. Shinwell

Would it not be disgraceful if British finance was utilised for the purpose of providing oil for Japan? Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House a more explicit reply?

Mr. Butler

I think that if the hon. Member studies the intricacies of the subject and the location of the companies concerned, he will see in my reply the satisfaction he desires.

Mr. Shinwell

Would the right hon. Gentleman give myself and other hon. Members an opportunity of discussing this matter, so that we can be informed on the subject?

Mr. Butler

Most certainly; I think that will be very valuable.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Is not the best hope of avoiding war with Japan in the prevention of sales of oil to Japan and the purchase of oil by ourselves instead?

37. Mr. Silkin

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether he is aware that negotiations are taking place for the supply of oil to Japan by a number of Dutch and other companies, including a company in which there is substantial British control; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare (Mr. Dingle Foot)

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend is aware that such negotiations are taking place and is watching them closely.

Mr. Silkin

Are we going to treat Japan as we treated Italy, and supply her with oil to use against us?

Mr. Foot

I think that the position was fully covered by the answers given earlier to-day by my right hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.

Mr. J. J. Davidson

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the Minister is in a position to deal adequately with this question?

Mr. Foot

It was pointed out earlier to-day that the arrangements must be made by the Government of Netherlands East Indies.

Mr. Noel-Baker

If this is a question of pre-emption will my hon. Friend ask his right hon. Friend to ask the Treasury for the funds required?

Mr. Foot

We are always very ready to ask the Treasury for funds.

Mr. Shinwell

Would the hon. Gentleman have been satisfied with the answer given by his right hon. Friend if he had remained on the back benches?