1939-04-03 — Page 14

POSITION OF THE SINO-JAPANESE WAR

A

LONDON.

DEBATE took place in the House of Lords recently on the present position in the Far East. The sub- ject was raised on a motion by Lord Strabolgi, who enquired what was the latest information the Govern- ment had with regard to the state of affairs in China and what steps were being taken to safeguard British trading interests. The debate was as follows:

10

been

Lord Strabolg had the follow- chukuo, the Japanese are deliber- Ing Notice on the Paper: To ask ately debauching the Chinese with

ទ

Government Majesty's

what oplum and other. harmful drugs. Information they can give the House This has been admitted at Geneva regarding the Sino-Japanese War in the anti-oplum conference, and I with particular reference to events think that knowledge of it is com

property. There has in South Chinn; what-steps- His mon

systematic destruction Majesty's Government are taking safeguard British trading rights and of the Chinese Universities and seats Interests in Hongkong: what is the of learning. There has been intro

nos duced the occupied territories a pusition with regard to the Japanese Invasion of Hainan Island and corrupt and dishonest regime, and a of all European and other interested Powers for bring- American commerce, I believe that whether any joint policy with the shutting out ing this struggle to an end is being the Foreign Office is painfully aware of the horrible excesses which gave pursued; and to move for Papers.

The noble Lord said: My Lords, taken place and are taking place, bis though the Motion which stands in particularly in Nanking In my name was put down in consul- I would like to take the oppertunity connection, with regard to Nanking, friends.

never- tation with my roble theless it Is

In any saying this. I have said many Intended Hot

hard things about the German Nazi spirit of hostility

Hig Majesty's

titis occasion the last regime, but on

the Government. Indeed, uccusion on which the noble Earl, Nazi German officials behaved very Lord Plymouth, stated Government well indeed at Nanking. They be

haved with great Armness policy in your Lordships' House, in courage in helping

and to defend the the debate before Christmas, in an Chinese refugees under their enre swer to the Motion of the noble from slaughter and violation by Viscount, Lord Elibank, he adopted brutal and apparently undisciplined If I may say so, an unexpected but Japanese soldiers.

welcome attitude ot nevertheless Armness on this vital question of British interests in China, So far as his effent statement could go, his wordent any rate to me and my noble friends appeared to contain a clear warning that our patience is

not inexhaustible.

10

on

Jn

are

Chinese Junks

Monday,

HONGKONG TELEGRAPH

April 3, 1939.

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She is Mrs. F. M.. D. Henderson. M.I.E, London-born, and

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Recently, she confessed that her Gying experience was confined to a few trips from London to Paris.

Mrs. Henderson has held a number of administrative posts, including that of employment secretary to the London Society for Women's Bervice, and latterly organising secretary to the Junior Council of the London and National Society for Women's Str vice.

finds time for work in the Auxiliary Despite her many, duties, she still

Fire Service. Her son is a pay- master-lieutenant in the Navy, her fashion house daughter is employed by a famous

Japanese Invasion Of Hainan

Commodore E. B. C. Dicken and Mrs. Dicken photographed with friends at the recent Hongkong Dockyard I.ccreation Club Dare-Ming Yuen

Affairs, everywhere Foreign

Informed the what different from our own in con- Japanese Government that His Manection with this matter. The tresty Jesty's Government regarded the in- position of the French Government eldent as having been settled on in respect of the Istand is based, those terms.

firstly, on the Chinese assurance of The noble Lord opposite then 1807 to them regarding the non- asked in his Question what action allenation of the island and, in the we are taking to protect British recond place, on the Franco- interests in that part of Chinn, and | Japanese Agreement of,1007. We

London. particularly our interests at Hong-actually have no similar agreement kong. I should therefore like to say with Japan, and the

Further questions were asked in only treaty a word about the position in regard bearing upon the situation is the Parliament recently regarding the to the Pearl River, because the Pearl Washington Nine-Power

Japanese occupation of Hainan:— Treaty.

Mr. Noel-Baker asited the Prime River Is of supreme importance in The noble Lord has contended that connection with the trade of Hong-this action on the part of the Minister whether he can tell the kong. The opening of this river to Japanese cannot have been taken House what guarantees he has. re British trade is provided for in the with a view to threatening the post-ceived from the Japanese Govern- Anglo-Chinese Treaty of 1842. It tion of the Chinese Government, but ment that they will not maintain a was first closed to navigation by the rather that it must have been taken permanent military occupation of the Chinese authorities on October 19, with the intention of (shall I say?) island of Hainan? and a protest was at once made to threatening or giving anxiety to the

Mr. Butler: I would refer the hon. them by His Majesty's Consul- Frenc

French Government and ourselves. Member to the reply given to my General ut Canton. Since their oc- It is dimcult to pass judgment on hon. Friend the Member for Kidder- cupation the Japanese have main-that. I can only say that the actual minster (Sir J. Wardlaw-Miine) on tained the closure of the river, and reason riven to us by the Japanese 15th February. His Majesty's Government have for authorities was that which I have

Noel-Baker asked the Prime some timo past been actively en- already quoted--namely, to render Minister whether he can make gaged in endeavouring to secure its effective the blockade of the South statement concerning the present reopening. I am sorry to

International Settle- have been told that the period of ment at Shanghai? these efforts have not so fay that China coast, and, as I have said, we situation in cern effective. The possibility of taking occupation will not

the excced

Mr. Butler: A working under- further steps towards this objective period required by the military standing for co-operation between is at present

Municipal Council and and in any event I can assure the phrase I admit, but still that is the the House that His Majesty's Govern- position as it has been explained to reached which, my

authorities has been Friend un- ment propose to continue, as at pre- us by the Japanese Government.

the sent, to do ni? that possible to secure British trade and shipping in he occupied areas of China from iscrimination in favour of Japanese or any other interests.

Chinese

As we are speaking of these ex- cesses, I must, as one who was at sea for many years myself, make a protest against the attacks at sea by on defenceless sumurais Ashing Junks. There is a freerna- Hainan Island

sonry of the sea and these junk sea- Since then certain events of great men and shermen are a very fine

are Indeed. They taken place in race Importance have

always China, An

Lordships

ready to come to the help of others yous the Island of Hainan has the ordinary accidents of the sea. aware, been invaded by the Japanese. They take their wives and children The attack Cunton, the on very long voyages. Following the full of

shermen, as a Areal port and colony of Hongkong on there helpless

blockaded. Threats policy of terrorism, was a most uba- Is practically have been levelled at the authorities minable net for which words suf- of the International Settlement in fielently condemnatory are dinleult to Ond. There is no milltary ob- Shanghai. 1 se

see in to-day's news- pepers that there is a modification Jective in destroying these junks and flahermen, and as these attacks were of the Japanese attitude, and I am

near our own territorial waters, 1 very glad to see that, but I must remind your Lordships that the so- suggest that some protest should be called Government of Nanking-made

ernment of being blind to these

and even

ጊዜ

under consideration, needs of the situation-a very vague the Shanks

General Situation

I think I have now dealt with the specie points which the noble Lord ratsed during the course of his speech, but 1 should ke to take this opportunity of saying a word or two about the general situation. When we last debated the Chinese been brought under ustion, before Christmas, I touk Japanese contrat, have been sub- the opportunity of explaining. In some jeeted to a certain measure of con- detail I think, the attitude of His

So far as the Customs In that area are concerned, the latest available nformation Indicates that the Cuse Loms at Canton, while they have not actually

of.

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of the Mr. Noel-Baker: May we assume that the Government will continue to support the municipal council In their local negotiations with the Japanese authorities?

Mr. Butler: Yes Sir..

possible up to now. In addition to that, I can assure the noble Lord that the general position in regard to this aspect of the question la con- stantly under consideration and is never lost sight of.

End to War

or that its are

Uhat silun-

the

since

as

I am not accusing the Gav-rol by the Jajenere, as in the case Majesty's Government towards the of the Shanghai Customs, and a problem, and, therefore, I can do which, of course, is completely un-

boller? the number of Japanese nationals are little more than repeat what I said der Japanese control has used ex- terrible events. I

sur Foreign Onco

are well aware of being added to the staff. The Cus-on that occasion. In general, the traordinary language towards

toms at Heihow, in the island of Far-Eastern polley of His Majesty's nationals and the French nationals them and deplore them as much as

I do.

Hainan, have been treated in the Government is based on the Nine- in the International Settlement, I

came way. I should like to add this, Power Treaty, the main provisions Further than that, I am afrald I will trouble your Lordships, if I may, I have already mentioned the ne-

that it was largely due to the court

of which I outlined when we last am unable to go this afternoon, but by reading out the exact words. It tion of the German Nazi ofiols in

age and tenacity of Mr. Hooper, the had a debate on this question. His I would like finally to say this. The is a Reuter's report of February 26 Nanking. My information is that

German merchants

just Deputy Commissioner at that time Majesty's Government ዜሮ

were, there-noble Lord has asked whether there last:

alarmed and disturbed by what is

In charge of the Customs at Canton, fore, at some pains to make clear to is no possibility of the Powers jolat- **The

Nanking Government saya

who is a British subject, that the the Japanese Government in as our own

thely bringing pressure to bear upon the it will not hesitate to brand British happening in China

Customs administration at that part Note which they addressed to them

Japanese Government with a view to and French vessels and the inter-merchants. It Is the German official

attitude of

was held intact throughout the at- on January 14 that they who have to adopt an

bringing

the wor In China to a national Settlement ns an enemy

tack on Canton and Its capture by cornise changes involving infringe-

end. It would be difficult to unless Britain and France reconsider support and comfort for the Japanese

the Japanese. 1 should like to take authorities.

of or derogations from the say, and erroneous to and change their militude of assist-

I should like to

that I thought there ing the Chiang Kai-shek regime, this opportunity of repeating what I

hick on provisions of this Treaty which are say, about Halmun, to which the noble)

or by the wire prospects of being able to which is the public enemy of the have said before, that here is a fre

mendous

unilateral chance for the German Lord has referred. Japanese troops about by feree

modification of nchi

nchleve Chinese nailon.”

that objective, but I can That is very strong language to be used by a Guvern Government to show their goed faith. f landed in the island on the 10th of its terms. They cannot agree that say that Is Majesty's Government

**** | humanity and will for peace, by

ast month, and on the 14th His the Treaty is obsolete

in close and constant consulta- ment which is supposed to speak for

Joining with extreelves and with Alajesty's Ambassador of Tokyo, who provisions no longer meet the station with

the other

Powers con uny sektionofino Chinese people other interested Powers to brin!

and been instructed to make repre- tion, except in so far as

cerned un

which affect their but which, as we know, does not

pressure to bear-diplomatic and, it entations to the Japanese Govern-tion has been altered by Japan in common interests. With a view to represent anybody but themselves.

economic pressure to

tore, in east my words might reach contravention of its terms.

securing a settlement which will be In addition, Japanese troops have necessary.

this inad adventure of the anyune who could pass on the pro-

fale and just to both sides and

take crecled barricades and electrically-stop

But this is not China, i

posal, that if Germany really wishes

to say that is controlled cables round the British Japanese militarists in

proper necount of the interest of o make some return for the great Majesty's Government contend that

third parties, Concession at Tientsin. There is no ventured to make the suggestion be-

His Majesty's Govern advantages that the present Prime this Treaty or any other Treaty is military objective in invading Hui- events in South China and in other

ment have indicated to the Chinese Minister has conferred upon her by eternal, if the Japanese ora and Japanese Governments that they non Island, so far as the Japanese parts of China. The House will re-

his policy of appeasement, there is other signatory has any constructive and war on the Chinese Central Govern-member that apart from the occu

of Amoy by the Japanese their chance in China, where their suggestions to make regarding points are ready at all times to use their ment is concerned. It is deliber-pation

good offices, and they will not hesl- is thought that We on which it ours.

the ately provocative of the French and Navy on May 13 last, the Sing interests are identical with

were not ex-recently

ly heard the German Chan-Treaty might be improved, His Matale to take all necessary steps as soon as the moment appears to be also of ourselves. Hainan Island is Japanese hostilities

tended to South China till October cellor proclaim that Germany must jeaty's Government for their

cir part of great strategic importance to us,

appropriate. But,

once say last, when the Japanese Inndicdn.

There is an immense wou

to consider them export or die.

trendy because it flanks the line of Bins Bay and began their advance market in China, where the Germans and enter into negotiations with all again, I am afraid I must admit that munications between Singapore and Hongkong. I understand that the on Canton. The City was occupied will have

that the ten days later after slight resistance trading if this Japanese polley illis Majesty's Government are olliouse in December last, and I can- no chance whatever of the other signatories regarding the present the situation does not ap

modifientions. suggested. Similarly, pear to have changed in this respect Indo-French authorities In

I addressed your Lordships' Indo-China had stopped the trade in on the part of the Chinese. Since continued to success.

in Red then the Japanese forces have not

to resume negotiations orms to China,

The Parliamentary Under-Sccre-ways ready

with the Chinese Government on not look upon the prospects as good. Cross materials, medical stores, and advanced into the interior but have ary"

Foreign subject of extra-territoriality

And I have endeavoured to the best of and (The Eart so on, in return for a promise from contented themselves almost entirely Affairs

of Plymouth) other similar questions when peace my ability to deal with the ques- the Japanese that Hainan was re- with consolidating their position in

My Lords. I am grateful to the noble pas been restored, as I say, a Note tlens which the noble Lord raised. cognised as in the French sphere of Canton, where they set up a local

Lord for once again having informed

of his speech, and I was nd-n the course influence, and would not be attacked. administration entitled the Kwang-me of the special points to which he embodying these points

to-day. The on January We see what has happened and tung Self-Preservation Committee en intended to allude

dressed to the Japanese Government hope that, although I may not have 14, but so far the entirely satisfied him, at any rate suggest that this is a practical ex- December 20, and in conducting whofe Chinese question is such ,ព ample of the uselessness of a policy mopping up operation in the Delta vast

vast one that it would really be Japanese Government has not eat my remark may have given a limited salisfaction to him and others in of so-called

ent where the of the Pearl River.

impossible to deal with every aspect any reply.

your Lordships' House. I have re- Two of these Japanese are

operations have of the situation

Measures Taken

Lord Strabolgi: My Lords, I have cently been in the East myself. taken place in close proximity to the fore, I will confine my remarks to

The noble Lord has suggested cer- only to thank the noble Earl for his was very glad to hear when I was boundary of the Hongkong leased the points that have been specifically in Burma that the motor road from territory. On the first occasion, to-

raised by the noble Lord, The dif- tain ways in which he thinks that very full reply to the question I put that British Dominion to North-West | wards the end of November last, ficulty in approaching this question we should deal with the situation, on the Paper. I quite understand China is now completed, and is be two 'small partiça of Japanese is to give practical effect to any de- When I have been explaining the that it is not possible for him at this satisfaction. the frontier Inlo Ing heavily used for the transport of soldiers crossed

of His Majesty's Govern- stage to give greater res or feelings that one may have, position

I think he has and although

I may say so, with much that the ment with regard to this matter, I alt sor of goods, including munt British territory, but retired when noble Lord said I agree, at the same have always pointed out that, in than he could under the circumstances. tions. I suggest that that is the only language which the Japanese On February 21 Inst a more serious time I doubt whether he can have view of His Majesty's Government, I understand that the matter is un- February 21 last a more serious given very much thought to the nome the noble Lord described will joint action has not been lost sight such as some of those der review, that the possibility of militarists understand.

incident occurred, SIX Japanese aeroplanes engaged in these mop- actual practicability of some of his which

really be of any use in solving this of, and that His Majesty's Govern- ping-up operations flew at

suggestions. a low

or helping the situationment are with us in deploring these I am also glad to note, as I am

altitude over the Hongkong border Before I refer to the general altua- difficulty are going to be effective appalling' events

unless

in China and in sure that your Lordships will be near. Shamchun, and dropped six tion, I should like to give him some!

Clearly, measures.

for measures of wishing to bring them to an end. in British leased territory, that the United States Government bombs

information which he has asked for the kind which he described, such Perhaps I may be permitted to re- have granted a substantial loan to killing one Sikh policeman and six relating in particular to recent

sanctions of Various mark on what the noble Earl sald China, and that we have also granted | Chinese and cousing considerable ment, was Informed by the Japanese as economic a small credit. I trust that further damage to train. Machine gun fire Minister for Foreign Affairs that the kinds, it is absolutely essential that with regard to the Chinese Customs, that your Lordships are aware that Onancial assistance will be forth was also opened on the British rull-bject of the occupation was to ren-action should be taken by all in- coming. The reason why I say, that way station, and two Chinese were der effective the blockade of the terested parties at the same time. very substantial international loans. broadly, the Chinese to-day are killed and a number of people, which south coast of China. Mr. Arital Although I cannot say more than have been secured on the Chinese fighting our ballles for us. Suppos- we have not been able exactly to as- Surther sald that a duration would that on that particular subject, I Customs, and that the revenue-de- ing the Japanese had succeeded, as certain, were wounded. On that not exceed the period required by want to draw the attention of your pends on the Customs being proper-

honestly administered. two years ago they boasted they very same day Sir Robert Craiglo, military needs, and that Its charac-Lordships' House to the various ways ly und would, in breaking Chinesa realat-our Ambassador at Teltyo, made r ter would, similarly, be dictated in which His Majesty's Government surely have very strong ground for ance in uinely days, how long would preliminary protest to the Japanese purely by military considerations as have assisted the Chinese Govern protesting against any infringement It have been before there would have Government," who replied on Feb-| Japan had no territorial designs ment in the extremely difficult pos- there, especially--this is the extra- been a direct threat to Hongkong,ruary 23 expressing profound regret there. Similar assurances were re- tlon in which they now oro, As ordinary part of it-since there has and then to Malaya and the Dutch at the incident and promising to pay ceived by the French and United your Lordships know, we have from been no declaration of war by the

од Government for the damage States Ambassadors. I understand the beginning of the war kept Can-Japanese, East Indies? Suppose that Japan full compensation

China. had succeeded in subjugating all done. Asrurances have also been that the United States Government ton open as a means of communica- The whole of this ghostly campaign China, and recovering her economic received that disciplinary measures have despatched a destroyer to sale- tion for China, Of course thats referred to as an ineldent. They and military strength, and runpose would be taken against those who ord United States Interests on channel could no longer be made use cannot have it both ways. They we were involved in more dimeul were shown to be guilty after Hainan and that the French Govern-of when Canton fell, but in addition have no legal right whatever to in- ties in Europe, does anyone suppose thorough investigation of the facts, ment are intending to take similar to that we have, as the noble Lord terfere with the Chinese Customs on that British Interests in the Pacife and that adequate measures would action. Although I am fully aware painted out, built a rond through which important loans are secured.

be taken to ensure that there would of the strategie or tactical considera- Burma to the Chinese border. to join But as I BUY would have been left' untouched?

am obliged to the I The next observation that I with bo no repetition of such an incident. tions involved, as a matter of fact up with the Chinese Yuen-Eu noble Earl and I'

quito appreciate to make is this. This war against These assurances have now been it cannot be said that there are any Road. More recently, we have taken that he could not say more at the China is not an old-fashioned war embodied in a formal Note hauded important: British Intercals on that powers, as your Lordships know; un- present time. In these circumstances, of conquest. It is being waged with on February 27 to our Ambassador. Island.

der the Export Guarantees Act, beg leave to withdraw my Motion. the utmost cruelty and bestiailty. In who, on the instructions of my noble The position of the French which will enable us to give credita Motion for. Papers, by leave, the occupied territories, as in Man-friend - the Secretary of State for Government is undoubtedly some-to China more easily than has been withdrawn.

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