§ 25. Major Digbyasked the President of the Board of Trade what steps are being taken to re-establish British trade with China.
§ Sir S. CrippsApart from such general measures as I outlined in my reply to the hon. Member for Evesham (Mr. De la Bère) on 15th October, I may mention the following steps special to China. His Majesty's Consulate-General in Shanghai was re-opened some weeks ago and preparations are being made for the early re-opening of Consulates-General in other liberated cities. The Commercial Counsellor has recently opened an office in Shanghai. Various representatives of 9 British firms have arrived in Shanghai from Chungking and arrangements are being made for a number of British business men to proceed to China from this country. I was glad to welcome to this country in August a party of 12 delegates from the Chinese National Resources Commission, who were able to see for themselves various aspects of our industrial life. I hope that other visits of this kind may be exchanged between China and this country. British official and unofficial representatives are working in close touch with the Chinese authorities on measures for the safeguarding and restoration of British properties, rights and interests in Shanghai and other places in the liberated areas. The question of arranging more satisfactory financial machinery for payments is under urgent consideration. It is hoped to open at an early date negotiations with the Chinese Government for a commercial treaty, as provided for by the Extra-territoriality Treaty of January, 1943.
§ Major DigbyWhile thanking the right hon. and learned Gentleman for his reply, may I ask him to bear in mind that, before the war, the British Empire had a bigger share of Chinese external trade than any other country?
§ Sir S. CrippsI will certainly bear that in mind.
§ Mr. Walter FletcherDoes the Minister not consider that a quota of 20 businessmen, so far, permitted to enter the country by the Chinese Government, is totally insufficient?
§ Sir S. CrippsI think that when transport arrangements become easier, we shall be able to send more people there.