§ Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has considered the speech made at Berlin by Mr. Matsuoka, on Wednesday, 26th March, 1941, to the effect that the Japanese people were praying for a speedy victory for Germany; whether His Majesty's Government has yet sent to General Chiang-Kai-Chek a message of encouragement and support on the lines of that sent to China by President Roose- 869W velt; and what steps the British, Indian and Burmese Governments have taken, jointly or severally, to open, and keep open, the Burma Road, and to aid the Chinese in resisting the aggressor in their country?
§ Mr. ButlerI have seen Press reports of the statement in question. The policy of His Majesty's Government was stated on 20th march, in answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Stourbridge (Mr. R. Morgan), and I am satisfied that it is already fully understood by General Chiang Kai-shek. As regards the Burma Road, owing to Japanese bombing attacks on the Salween and Mekong bridges, there has been a certain interruption of traffic, but repairs have been effected and 1 understand that the road is now open to traffic over its entire length.