HC Deb 19 December 1938 vol 342 cc2480-2W
Mr. Moreing

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the attitude adopted by the Japanese authorities in allowing Japanese soldiers in the Yangtzepoo district of the International Settlement of Shanghai to sell entire buildings at a cheap price for breakup and sale of the bricks outside the area, and to demand large sums for personal protection, and for permission to carry goods outside the area; and to what extent such opportunities for illicit profit are proving a permanent obstacle to the restoration of the area to the control of the Shanghai Municipal Council?

Mr. Butler

No, Sir, and the last part of the question does not, therefore, arise. The restoration of the Yangtzepoo area to the control of the Shanghai Municipal Council is at present under active negotiation with the Japanese authorities.

Mr. Creech Jones

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the formation of the Yangtse Shipping Company under Japanese control in Chinese waters; and whether, as this company is likely to exercise a monopoly, he proposes to take action to maintain British interests?

Mr. Butler

According to Press reports from Shanghai, a new Japanese shipping company to be known as the Yangtse River Steamship Company has been formed and will begin operations on the 1st January. His Majesty's Consul-General has telegraphed that he will furnish full particulars as soon as possible.

Mr. R. Morgan

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the tampering with British mails by the Japanese censor at Tientsin, he will arrange for British letters to be put on board British ships in Shanghai or Hongkong, and sent under cover to the British Consul in the British concession at Tientsin, there to be collected by the persons to whom they are addressed?

Mr. Butler

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to him to-day, to which I have nothing to add.

Sir R. Glyn

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any information to show that, under the patronage of the Japanese army in Manchuria, the trade of producing, distributing, and selling opium and its derivatives, such as morphia and heroin, by licensed monopolies has increased; and whether the export of this drug is confined solely to China, or whether there is any information as to its being exported to other countries?

Mr. Butler

My Noble Friend has no information to this effect. The published figures for the Manchurian budget for 1938 show, however, a marked increase in the sale and in the purchase of opium by the Government monopoly. As regards the second part of this question my Noble Friend has no information.