§ Mr. RANKINasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in which of the mandated territories administered by His Majesty's Government Japan possesses most-favoured-nation rights on a reciprocity basis under the Anglo-Japanese Commercial Treaty of 1911; and whether he will consider denouncing this treaty so that the menace of Japanese competition in these mandated territories may be reduced following the departure of Japan from the League of Nations?
1976W
§ Viscount CRANBORNEThe Anglo-Japanese Commercial Treaty of 1911 extends to Palestine and Tanganyika, and Japan therefore enjoys most-favoured-nation treatment on a reciprocal basis in these territories. As regards the second part of the question, I would remind my hon. Friend that even if the treaty did not apply, it would not be in accordance with the provisions of the mandate to impose discriminatory duties except in the interests of the inhabitants of the territories themselves.