§ Mr. McENTEEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what information his department has received relative to the advice given by Sir Frederick Leith Ross, the Government economic adviser, now in the Far East, to the Chinese Government on the question of recognising the status quo of Manchuria with a view to the improvement of relations with Japan; and whether any such advice was given with the knowledge and approval of the British Government?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe hon. Member's question is doubtless prompted by somewhat misleading Press reports. The question of Sino-Japanese relations, which His Majesty's Government desire should be good, has been discussed by Sir F.344W Leith Ross in connection with their bearing on his mission and the attitude of the Chinese Government towards the Manchurian question has naturally been explored in this connection. But the recognition of the existing regime in Manchuria has not been urged upon the Chinese Government either by His Majesty's Government or by Sir F. Leith Ross personally.
§ Mr. HALL-CAINEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress has been made in connection with the representations made by His Majesty's Government to Japan in regard to the oil monopoly established in Manchukuo; and whether any compensation has yet been paid to British interests which have suffered thereby?
§ Sir S. HOAREThere have been no developments in regard to this matter since the date of the answer which I gave on 3rd July in reply to a somewhat similar question put by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for the Isle of Wight (Captain Macdonald). The question of compensation is still under discussion between the Manchurian authorities and the companies affected. No compensation has, however, so far as I am aware, yet been paid.