§ Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that a meeting of representatives of the Consortium on China has been recently held in London; what proposals were put forward; what results were reached; and what is the attitude of the British Government with respect to them?
§ Mr. PONSONBYThe meeting in question was a private one of the Advisory Council of the Consortium. I understand that the only business of importance before it was the question of the renewal of the Consortium Agreement of 1920, and that the Advisory Council decided to recommend renewal in perpetuity, subject to the right of any group to withdraw at 12 months' notice. This recommendation, which I have reason to believe will be approved by the groups, has the approval of His Majesty's Government.