Mr. David Adamsasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the stimulated excesses of mob elements in Shanghai he will ascertain whether there are sufficient British troops present to help in maintaining order under any circumstances?
§ Mr. ButlerMy Noble Friend's information does not indicate any recent outbreaks of mob violence having occurred at Shanghai. There is no reason to think that the forces at the disposal of the British commander are not adequate to take their share, in collaboration with the forces of other Powers, in the maintenance of order.
Mr. David Adamsasked the Prime Minister whether the agreement with Tokyo in any way affects the terms of the Nine-Power Treaty, and, if so, in what way?
§ Mr. ButlerNo, Sir.
§ Sir J. Haslamasked the Prime Minister (1) whether the Japanese Government have yet been approached with regard to their failure to control opium dens in the Japanese-occupied area surrounding Shanghai, and the distribution or heroin and other drugs in the various parts of China in their occupation;
(2) whether any reply has been received from the Japanese Government with regard to the representations made against the opening of opium dens in the former British territory of Wei-hai-Wei, which, during the period of British occupuation from 1898 to 1930, had been free from the opium evil?
§ Mr. ButlerThe reply to both questions is in the negative, but His Majesty's Government have under immediate consideration possible representations to the Japanese Government on the drug situation in the occupied areas of China.