HC Deb 12 December 1938 vol 342 c1628W
Mr. Hannah

asked the Prime Minister whether he has considered the cable from the chairman of the British Associated Committee at Tientsin, dated 16th November, 1938, in which specific attention is directed to the pressure being exerted by the Japanese to secure control of Chinese silver reserves; whether he is aware that part of these silver reserves are deposited in British banks; and what action does he propose to take?

Mr. Butler

Yes, Sir, but as far as my Noble Friend is aware none of the silver in question is deposited in British banks.

Mr. David Adams

asked the Prime Minister whether he will state the terms of the official protest made by the Government to Japan upon the invasion of China; and the date of the same, with the reply received?

Mr. Butler

My Noble Friend is in some doubt as to what communication the hon. Member is alluding to, for, although His Majesty's Government by subscribing to the report of the Brussels Conference and to the Geneva resolutions have left the Japanese Government in no doubt as to their views in the matter of the operations in China, there has not been any single formal protest.