HC Deb 10 November 1938 vol 341 cc314-6W
Sir J. Wardlaw-Milne

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have supported the recent Washington protest to Japan in regard to trading rights in China; and, if so, whether they will immediately publish the full text of the communication made to the Japanese Government?

Mr. Butler

As I stated in yesterday's Debate, His Majesty's Government have for their part made a number of formal protests to the Japanese Government, as and when occasion demanded, in the same sense as the United States Government.

Sir J. Wardlaw-Milne

asked the Prime Minister whether any movement has been made by the Japanese authorities indicating their intention to take over the administration and control of the customs at Shanghai or elsewhere in China; and what action has been taken by the Government to make it clear that such a proposal will be strongly opposed by this country?

Mr. Butler

The Japanese Government claim that the Provisional and Reformed Governments established in China should exercise a certain control of the customs in the occupied areas, but my Noble Friend has no information that the Japanese Government intend to destroy the integrity of the customs, which they have on the contrary undertaken to maintain as far as possible in existing circumstances. The importance which His Majesty's Government attach to its maintenance has been made quite clear.

Sir J. Wardlaw-Milne

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the great importance of maintaining British interests in the shipping of the Yangtse and the necessity of the trade of that river being open for British tonnage; what action has been taken in the matter; and whether any protest has been made against the closing of the British concession at Hankow contrary to the agreement of 1927?

Mr. Butler

Yes, Sir, and the appropriate representations have been and will continue to be made to the Japanese Government. As regards the last part of the question, the policing of the former British concession at Hankow was by agreement taken over on 29th October by the Japanese military police: but the remainder of the administrative services continue as before. The gates of the former concession are at present closed every night from 6.0 p.m. to 6.0 a.m. as a measure of security. The inconvenience of this has been represented to the Japanese authorities and it is hoped that these restrictions will be relaxed soon.