§ Sir P. Dawsonasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that British ships unloading at Tsingtao have been refused access to the wharves, all goods and passengers having to be transhipped by sampan although conditions at Tsingtao are completely peaceful and Japanese vessels are unloading alongside the quay: 1546W and what steps he is taking to protect the interests of British shipowners?
§ Mr. ButlerI understand that, as British ships have been unable to obtain certain wharfage and other facilities in the commercial harbour at Tsingtao within a reasonable time after arrival, the shipping companies prefer for the time being to use sampans and junks. Representations have been made to the Japanese authorities in Tokyo, and the British naval and consular authorities in Tsingtao are in close touch with their Japanese colleagues with a view to arriving at a local settlement.