HC Deb 07 May 1941 vol 371 c828
2. Mr. Hannah

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the occupation by Japan of Ningpo, at the mouth of the Yangtze, an important source of food supplies for Shanghai, what steps have been taken to prevent Ningpo from being stripped bare of supplies by export to Japan, as has happened in other occupied districts; and what arrangements have been made to secure that adequate food supplies shall continue to reach the Shanghai International Settlement?

Mr. Eden

There have been certain difficulties in the supply of foodstuffs to Shanghai arising out of present conditions in China. No reports, however, have been received which would indicate that the Japanese capture of Ningpo has resulted in any food shortage at Shanghai. The situation there in this respect will, however, continue to be closely watched. Meanwhile the Council of the International Settlement are doing all that is possible to ensure adequate food supplies for the area under their control.

Mr. Hannah

Is it not a fact that Shanghai is suffering a good deal from the way the Japanese, like locusts, have drained the Yangtze valley of food?

Mr. Eden

It is clear that the Japanese attack on China must have repercussions on the position in Shanghai.

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