existed as to the security of development of British firms in parts of the Chinese Dominion; whether any representations had been made to him either by British firms or by officials of the Chinese Government relative to the attitude of the British Govern- ment on this question; and whether he would take the matter into consideration and adopt any measure that might be advisable for securing that there should be no infringement of any commercial freedom now enjoyed in China.
Sir E. Grey: No representations have as yet been made to His Majesty's Govern- meat. The Government will, of course, take British interests into account, and, when
measures are necessary, consider what required.
Monday, 22nd February, 1915.
Mr. Gordon Harvey asked the Foreign Secretary if he could inform the House whether the Japanese Government was negotiating with the Government of China with a view to acquiring or leasing territory, or to obtaining any exclusive railway or mining or other rights in China,
Sir E. Gray I understand that negotia- tions are proceeding between the
two
Governments, but His Majesty's Government are not at present in a position to communi- cate information on the subject.
Tuesday, and March, 1915-
Mr. Outhwaite asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the de- mands presented by the Japanese Govern- ment to the Chinese Government in any way violate the principle of equality of economic opportunity in China in favour of Japan and infringe upon the integrity of China?
The Secretary of State for foreign Affairs (Sir Edward Grey): I must refer the
08
hon, member to the answer given on the 18th ult, to the hon. member for Wirral, that His Majesty's Government are not at present in a position to communicate information on the subject.
Mr. Outhwaite asked whether His Majesty's Government has been informed by the Government of Japan of all the demands made upon the Chinese Government during the negotiations now proceeding; and what is the nature of these demands and the grounds on which the Chinese Government has refused to meet them.
Sir E. Grey: The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; but, as previously stated, I am not in a position to reply to the inquiries contained in the second part.
Mr. Molteno asked whether demands have recently been made upon China by the Government of Japan to the effect that if China employs foreigners as controlling ad- visers in the police, military and financial departments of the entire country Japanese shall be preferred; that half of the ammuni tion and arms hereafter used in China sball be purchased in Japan, otherwise an arsenal to be established in China, employing Japanese experts and materials; that China shall grant Japan the same privileges as other nations to establish schools, missions, and churches throughout the country, with the privilege of propagating Buddhism; that mining concessions in Hanang. Tayeb, and Pingsiang shall not be granted to other foreigners if the Chino-Japanese company to be hereafter formed shall disapprove; that certain railroad concessions, Nanchang to Chaochowfu, Nanchang to Kiukiang, Nan- chang to Wuchang, and Nanchang to Hanchow, be granted; and that foreigners, other than Japanese, shall be excluded from
future railroad, mining, and dock-building concessions unless Japan shall give her con- sent?
Sir E. Grey I must refer the hon. member to the previous answers which I have given on this subject. I have to say, however, that some versions that have appeared of the Japanese demands are much exaggerated, and in particular the first and last demands stated in the hon. member's question are not
correct.
Sir Ryland Adkins: Has my right hon. friend heard from China of these demands as well as from Japan.
Bir E. Gray: Various communications have been made from different quarters, some of them not very accurate. Will my hon. friend please give notice of a question?
Mr. Molteno: Has any demand been made contrary to the Treaty with Japan?
Bir E. Grey: I cannot add to the answer I bave already given.
Thursday, 4th March, 1915.
Mr. Outhwaite asked whether His Majesty's Government has received any re- presentations from the Chinese Government relating to the demands presented by the Japanese Government for economic privileges, and, in such case, can be state their nature.
Sir E. Grey: The answer is in the negative,
Tuesday, 9th Marck, 1915.
Mr. Needham asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has now received the text of the Japanese demands from both China and Japan: what is their number; and whether the text of the two documents are in agreement?
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Sir E. Grey: I have only received the text from the Japanese Government, and there is no reason for supposing that it is not in agreement with the one which they have handed to the Chinese Government. The demands are classified under five groups.
Mr. Needham asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received from any Foreign Governments any representations or communications on the subject of the Japanese demands to China; and whether the British Government on its part has made any communications on the subject to any foreign powers?
Sir E. Grey No representations have been received but informal communications have been made by one or two Powers. As, however, the information in my possession is confidential, His Majesty's Government have made no formal communication on the subject to any Foreign Government.
Me. Needham asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will ascertain the opinion of the commercial and industrial classes of the community before taking any action in respect to the Japanese demands to China?
Sic E. Grey: His Majesty's Govern. ment are always glad to receive such opinions, and one or two have already been received from those who have special knowledge of the commercial questions involved.
Bir. William Bull asked whether the demands of Japan for industrial privileges in the Yangtsze Valley will in any way preju- dice either existing British interests or the potentialities of British trade development?
Sir E. Grey: His Majesty's Govern- ment are considering the effect of the demands
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