Mr. Alexanderasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has taken note of a statement of the Japanese Foreign Minister that the wish of China to be treated on a footing of equality should be respected and past differences forgotten, and that he intended to reexamine the North China question with a view to a compromise; and whether he intends to make any response to this new departure in Japanese Foreign policy?
§ Mr. EdenYes, Sir. I have noted the statements made in the sense indicated by the hon. Member. In my answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Kidderminster (Sir J. Waidlaw-Milne) on 24th March I welcomed the prospect of improved relations between Japan and China to which they point. The Japanese Government have for long been aware that such improved relations are desired by His Majesty's Government.