HC Deb 03 October 1939 vol 351 cc1828-9W
Mr. Paling

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make with regard to the situation in China?

Sir G. Mitcheson

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement with regard to the situation in China?

Mr. R. Gibson

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make regarding the situation in China, particularly in relation to matters that have been under negotiation between His Majesty's Government and Japan; and the position resulting therefrom?

Mr. Butler

Hostilities on the Outer Mongolian-Manchurian frontier were brought to a standstill by a truce between the Japanese and Soviet Governments on the 16th September.

A new Japanese offensive in China has developed in the provinces of Hunan and Northern Kiangsi, which, according to the latest reports, is still continuing.

I have nothing to add to the statement which I made on the 7th September on the subject of the resumption of negotiations for the settlement of the issues arising at Tientsin, where there has been a distinct improvement in local conditions. During the recent serious flood situation, a measure of co-operation between the British and Japanese authorities in dealing with the common menace was secured and since the floods subsided there has been a welcome diminution of discriminatory treatment of British subjects at the barriers, although Japanese control at those barriers is maintained. But the latest information from Peking shows that the anti-British agitation has not ceased either in the city or in outlying areas in North China under Japanese control, where missionaries have been compelled to withdraw.

The Admiralty has decided to withdraw from service on the Yangtse several of the gunboats which patrolled the river in peace-time. These vessels, with their highly trained personnel, will be employed elsewhere.

Mr. R. Gibson

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make regarding negotiations between His Majesty's Government and the United States of America relative to their respective interests in China and the interests of their respective nationals there, particularly where such interests are involved by aggression on the part of Japan or interests acting under the influence of Japan?

Mr. Butler

His Majesty's Government continue to maintain close contact with the Government of the United States in regard to matters of common interest in the Far East.