HC Deb 29 February 1940 vol 357 cc2261-2W
Sir N. Stewart Sandeman

asked the Prime Minister whether he is awarethat wharfage facilities for British vessels at Tsingtao are still denied by the Japanese authorities and that the only wharf nominally placed at the disposal of foreign merchant vessels has either been occupied by Japanese transport and merchant vessels or has been unusable in bad weather owing to its exposed position; that this deliberate obstruction of British trade has now continued for nearly a year; and whether the Japanese Government have made any serious attempt to put an end to this grave injury to British trade and prestige?

Mr. Butler

The position at Tsingtao is that up to 25th March, 1939, third Power shipping had to work cargo at open anchorages outside the harbour. On that date No. 4 wharf for tankers and two berths on No. 1 wharf for ordinary shipping were opened to vessels of all nationalities. These wharves have no go-down accommodation and are the most exposed to the weather. In addition to these difficulties, all berths were monopolised by Japanese shipping for a period of three months, last year, ending about the end of October. Since that date, however, British ships have again been able to make use of the wharves in question, and a third berth has recently been opened to third Power shipping, while go-downs have been made available from 13th January.

The situation still leaves much to be desired from the point of view of British shipping, but it will be observed that there has recently been some improvement, and the matter will continue to be pressed as opportunity offers.

Mr. R. Morgan

asked the Prime Minister whether the Yangtze and the Pearl River have yet been opened to general trade, as promised by the Japanese Foreign Minister on 18th December; and, if not, to what extent trade and shipping on these waters is still subjected to restriction?

Mr. Butler

No, Sir, not yet. Present arrangements on the Pearl River allow of one British ship a week visiting Canton. As regards the Yangtze, the river is still closed to third Power shipping above Kiangyin, while below this point British vessels are operating under certain difficulties, which have been brought to the notice of the Japanese authorities.

Mr. Morgan

asked the Prime Minister what steps he has taken to secure the reopening to British shipping of the inland waterways of China, in the Yangtze delta, other than the Yangtze itself; and whether British vessels are now able to ply freely along their accustomed routes?

Mr. Butler

My Noble Friend is calling for a report on the present position in these waterways.