§ 99. Mr. Prescottasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the dissatisfaction among British firms regarding the proposed facilities for the renewal of private trading with Japan; whether any geographical limitation in Japan will be placed on the activities of British representatives; and what currency arrangements will apply.
§ Mr. BelcherI know that British interests concerned are anxious about the arangements for the renewal of private trade with Japan. This has been a difficult matter, but now that agreement has been reached in principle, every effort is being made to come to a settlement of the many details involved on the best basis that can be secured. I hope that the first party of business men, those representing the essential services such as banks, shipping and insurance will be able to leave for Japan shortly. As far as I am aware, business men will be able to travel within metropolitan Japan on business affairs as freely as the transport situation allows although the shortage of accommodation may limit the number of places at which they can stay Currency arrangements are still under discussion with the other Governments concerned and it would obviously be in appropriate, therefore, for me to discuss them at this stage.