§ 49. Mr. Gammansasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the position of British commercial interests in Shanghai; and state to what extent conditions have improved or worsened since the recognition of the Communist Government.
§ Mr. Ernest DaviesCommercial and industrial interests in Shanghai, including British owned, are encountering serious difficulties. They are in part due to the Nationalist blockade and to the effects of the deflationary measures of the Central People's Government. Since it is reported there is no discrimination in these matters, the recognition issue is not a factor in this situation.
§ Mr. GammansWill the hon. Gentleman state whether conditions have improved or worsened since the Communist Government were recognised?
§ Mr. DaviesThe change in conditions is due to the change in Government in China and not the recognition or nonrecognition of that Government.
§ Mr. Walter FletcherIs the hon. Gentleman aware that every month an enormous sum is extorted from British firms in Shanghai? They are not allowed co shut down, and they are getting no active support from His Majesty's Government in the impossible situation in which they find themselves.
§ Mr. DaviesMy right hon. Friend has the question of British commercial interests in China under his immediate attention.
Air-Commodore HarveyWhat steps do the Government propose to take to protest to the Central People's Government of China about the treatment meted out to British people in China?
§ Mr. DaviesI have just said that the matter is under immediate attention.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesIs it not a fact that the Leader of the Opposition, last December, urged the Government to recognise the People's Government of China?