Mr. FOOT MITCHELLasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been called to the effect on the prestige of the Great Powers caused by the need for constant reference to the views of the smaller nations with insignificant interests in China; and whether, under the circumstances, His Majesty's Government will consider without delay the. desirability of acting in the Far Fast, either independently or in co-operation with the Great Powers concerned only?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINWhile I am aware of the difficulty that might on occasion arise in securing unanimity among the Powers having Treaty relations with China, there are obvious objections to His Majesty's Government taking any step which would impair the solidarity of the diplomatic body at Peking, or which might be regarded as being contrary to the Washington Treaties.