§ Captain NORTHasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will consider the advisability of issuing 397W an early statement, if possible in conjunction with the other Powers concerned, as to the basis on which responsibility for damage to the International Settlement at Shanghai is to be assessed?
§ Mr. EDENAs stated by my right hon. Friend on Monday last, Sir Miles Lampson has, in conjunction with his interested colleagues, made express reservations to both parties regarding damage inflicted on the life and property of foreign nationals but, beyond that, I am, at present, unable to make any further statement.
§ Dr. SALTERasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information regarding the setting up of an independent regime in Manchuria; how far the interests of the Chinese population are safeguarded; and how far such independence is dependent on Japanese military support?
§ Mr. EDENAs regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I have given to-day to the hon. Member for Broxtowe (Mr. Cocks). The effect of this change on the interests of the Chinese population is a matter upon which I cannot at present express any opinion. I have no information which enables me to answer the last part of the question.
§ Mr. HALL-CAINEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the damage to British property in Shanghai up to date, including its estimated cost, the loss of life among British subjects, and any injuries to them; and whether he will bring to the notice of both combatants the desirability of compensation?
§ Mr. EDENI have no information at present as to the damage to British property. Two British naval ratings have been killed, and, according to the Press, slight injuries sustained by three other British subjects. His Majesty's Minister in China has made full reservation regarding any injury to life and property of British subjects incurred through the action of armed forces on either side.