§ Major Procterasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of the one-sided operation of the so-called new Peking tariff; how this will affect competitive British trade; and whether it is proposed to make any representations to Japan on the subject?
§ Mr. EdenHis Majesty's Ambassador at Tokyo has been instructed to protest to the Japanese Government on the ground that the measure is contrary to the treaty provision for a uniform tariff for all China and is prejudicial to the integrity of the customs administration. Full particulars of the new tariff have not yet been received and it is not clear 395W to what extent it will adversely affect British trade. This aspect of the matter will, however, be carefully examined.
§ Mr. Morganasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state the exact nature of any Japanese promise or undertaking to compensate British owners for losses in Shanghai and elsewhere as a result of the current hostilities?
§ Mr. EdenThe Japanese Government have as yet given no general promise or undertaking to compensate British property owners at Shanghai. In regard to the bombing of two British ships at Wuhu the Japanese Government stated that they were prepared to take into consideration damages sustained by British subjects as may be found necessary. In regard to the events of 12th December on the Yangtse the Japanese Government stated in a Note to His Majesty's Ambassador that they were also prepared to pay the necessary compensation.
§ Captain P. Macdonaldasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the announcement on 1st December last that the Japanese authorities at Shanghai were not censoring or claiming to censor messages from this country to the British newspapers in Shanghai, he can state the present position, indicating whether this attitude on the part of the Japanese has been altered; and, if so, whether the British Government is taking or has taken any action?
§ Mr. EdenYes, Sir. The Japanese authorities at Shanghai are claiming to censor messages from this country to the British newspapers in Shanghai. I am not aware of any such telegrams having been censored. On the other hand His Majesty's Consul-General in Shanghai has handed a written protest to the Japanese Consul-General against the unreasonable exercise of censorship against two Press telegrams from Shanghai.
§ Mr. Noel-Bakerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any of His Majesty's diplomatic or consular agents are at present stationed in Nanking; and, if so, how many?
§ Mr. EdenHis Majesty's Consul at Nanking and the Military Attaché to His Majesty's Embassy returned to Nanking396W on 9th January. His Majesty's Consul is shortly returning home on leave of absence, and the question of further representation at Nanking is at present under consideration.