HC Deb 26 February 1947 vol 433 cc2053-4
25. Mr. William Teeling

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress has now been made in his negotiations for British traders to return to Japan; whether he is aware that the ban penalises only the Allies since neutral traders have always remained there; and how many British firms such a lifting of the ban would affect.

Mr. Mayhew

In reply to the first part of the Question, I have nothing to add to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Minister of State gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Lancaster (Brigadier Maclean) on 27th January. As to neutral firms, those neutral firms which were in business in Japan at the time of the surrender and have retained their offices there do not engage in international trade, since no private firm is at present permitted to engage in international trade in Japan. About 15 British firms have so far informed the Foreign Office of their desire to send representatives to Japan.

Mr. Teeling

Has the Under-Secretary had his attention drawn to the statement which appeared in "The Times", made by Japanese friends of this country, that they wanted such contacts, and the letter written by Sir Robert Clive to "The Times" which was censored by the United States authorities in Tokio? Does he realise that unless we take quick action in this matter, we are going to let a lot of other nations, especially the United States, get control there, preventing Lancashire and other areas of the Empire holding their own in future trade competition with the Japanese?

Mr. Mayhew

Clearly, we can do nothing until private trade is restored. Discussions are going on in the Inter-Allied Trade Board, and our representative there has been instructed to press ahead for the resumption of private trade.

Mr. John Lewis

Will the Under-Secretary answer the supplementary question I put to him the other day, namely, whether General MacArthur is able to receive representations by His Majesty's Government about these matters?

Mr. Mayhew

The hon. Member will have to ask that question many times before he gets an answer. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh"] I should have said that that is another question, and I should like to have notice of it.

Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

Will my hon. Friend do all he can to ensure that the Americans do not steal a march on us so far as business arrangements with the Japanese are concerned?

Mr. Mayhew

We have no evidence at all that that is so.

Mr. Walter Fletcher

Is the Minister aware that Swiss firms are doing trade which might normally come to British firms if they were admitted?

Mr. Mayhew

Trade is still on a Government basis, and private trading has not yet been resumed.

Mr. S. Silverman

Will the Under-Secretary bear in mind that this matter is of very great importance, and he must not treat it so lightly?

Mr. Mayhew

We are not treating it lightly. The facts are as stated. We have given instructions to our representative on the Inter-Allied Trade Board to press ahead, as far as he can, for the resumption of trade.