§ 36. Mr. W. Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will now make a statement on Far Eastern affairs, with particular reference to the recent bilateral agreements on Manchuria.
§ Mr. BevinThe position in Manchuria is governed by the Sino-Soviet agreements signed in Moscow in August last. The carrying out of those agreements is a matter for the Chinese and the Soviet Governments, and so long as this does not involve detriment to British interests 2316 I should prefer not to comment. As stated by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State on 19th November, there is nothing in these instruments which is prejudicial to British interests.
§ Mr. FletcherIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that some anxiety exists that British interests are becoming involved in an unfavourable way, and will he give an assurance that he will make a statement as soon as that situation develops?
§ Mr. BevinI am not going to anticipate trouble or promise statements about troubles that have not arisen.