1939-04-03 — Page 26

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POSITION OF THE SINO-JAPANESE WAR

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:

in

invasion whether

for

Monday,

HONGKONG" TELEGRAPH.

Commodore E. B. C. Dlcken and Mrs. Dicken photographed with friends at the recent Hongkong Dockyard Recreation Club Danco-Ming Yuen,

we are

April 3, 1939.

6-Foot Woman

Is. "Boss"

A six-ft, whlte-haired mother of tivo has just been appointed woman staff, supervisor of Imperial Airways, and will be responsible for the en- gagement, training and administra- Uon of hundreds of women employed

in the United Kingdom.

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

up

her post on March 1

Recently she confessed that her fying 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 Service, and intterly organising secretary to the Junior Counell of the London and National Society for Women's Ser vlce.

pay.

Despite her many duties, she still finds time for work in the Auxiliary Fire Service. Her son is a master-leutenant in the Navy, her fashion house, daughter is employed by a famous

Japanese Invasion Of Hainan

Lord Stravolg had the follow- chukuo, the Japanese are deliber- ing Notice

on the Paper: To ask ately debauching the Chinese with His Majesty's Government 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-oplüm conference, and with particular reference to events think that knowledge of it is con- South China; what steps His mon property. There has been Majesty's Government are taking to systematic destruction everywhere Foreign Affairs, Informed the what different from our own in con- safeguard British trading rights and of the Chinese Universities and seats Japanese Government that His Ma- nection with this matter. The treaty interests in. 1longkong; what is the of learning. There has been Intro Jesty's Government regarded the Is-position of the French Government position with regard to the Japanese duced in the occupied territories acident as having been settled on in respect of

Island; of Hainan

the island is based, and corrupt and dishonest regime, and a those terms.

Arstly, on the Chinese assurance of any joint policy with the shutting out

of all European and The noble Lord opposite then 1897 to them regarding

I believe that asked in his Question what action allenation of the island and, in the the поп- other interested Powera fur bring-American commerce. ing this struggle to an end in being to ferrible excesses which have interests in that part of China, and Japanese Agreement of

the Foreign Oflee is painfully aware

taking

to protect. British second

place, on the Fronco- pu: sued: and to

to move Papers. The roble Lord said: Afy Lords, taken place and are taking place, particularly our Interests at Hong-actually have no similar agreement 1907. We

London. though the Motion which stands in particularly in Nanking. In this kong. I should therefore like to say with Japan, and the only treaty

Further questions were asked in my name was put down In consul-connection, with regard to Nanking, a word about the position in regard bearing upon

i

the situation in the Parliament recently regarding the to the Pearl River, because the Penri Washington tation with my noble friends, never- I would like to take the opportunity

Nine-Power theless it is not intended in any hard things about the German Nazi connection with the trade of Hong-

of saying this. I have said many River is of supreme importance in The noble Lord has contended thai

Treaty. Japanese occupation of Hainan:-

Mr. Noel-Baker asked the Prime spirit of hostility to Ills Majesty's

g this action 071 the this occasion:

part of the Minister whether he can tell the Government. Indeed,

Just coime, but on the on

the kong. The opening of this river to Japanese cannot have been taken House what guarantees he has re- Occasion on which the noble Eur, Nazi German omeinis behaved very

British trade is provided for in the with a view to threatening the post-ceived from the Japanese Govern- Lord Plymouth, stated Government well indeed at Nanking. They be

Anglo-Chinese Treaty of 1843. It tion of the Chinese Government, but ment that they will not maintain a haved with great Ormness and was first closed to navigation by the rather that it must have been taken permanent military occupation of the policy in your Lordships' House, inj the debate before Christinas, in a Chinese refugees

courage in helping to defend the Chinese authorities on October 13, with the intention of (shall I say?) to the Motion of the noble from slaughter

under their cure

island Hninan? and a protest was at once made to threatening or giving anxiety to the, SWET

Mr. Butler: I would refer the hon. violation by them by Viscount, Lord Elibank, he adopted,

His Mujesty's Consul-French Government If I may say so, an unexpeeled buttal and apparently undisciplined General at Canton. Since their oc- It is difficult to pass judgment on hon. Friend the Member for Kidder- and ourselves. Member to the reply given to my neverthelesN welcome attitude of

cupation the Japanese have main-that. I can only say that the actual minster (Sir J. Wardinw-Milne) on Ormneza On this vital question of

tained the closure

river, and reason given to us by the Japanese 15th February. British interests in China. So far

His Majesty's Government have for authorities was that which have Mr. Noel-Baker asked the Prime some me past been netively en-already quoted-namely. to render

maite Haged in endeavouring to secure its effective the blockade of the oder Minister whether he can

statement

concerning repertory to say coast, and, as I hit of situation in

present clear warning that our patience is Protest against the attacks at sea by effective. The possibility of taking occupation will not

efforts have not so far been have been told that the period of ment at Shanghai?

the International Settle- excred further steps towards this objective period

Mr. Butler A working under- Is at present

required by the military under consideration, needs of the situation-a very vague

standing for co-operation between and in any event I can assure the phrase I admit, but still that is the

the Shanghai Municipal Council and House that is Majesty's Govern-position as it has been explained to

the Japanese authorities has been R 20084. ment propose to continue, as at pre- us by the Japanese Government.

reached which, my

my Noble Friend un- sent, to do all that is possible to

derstands, does not impair the au-

I 20080. secure British trade and-shipping in

thority of the the occupied areas of China from

Voct Council. Mr. Noel-Balter: May we nsume discrimination in favour of Japanese

that the Government will continue to or any other Interesia,

support the municipal counci in their local negotiations with the Japanese authorities?

Mr. Butler: Yes Sir.

not inexhaustible.

Hainan Island

"The 'it will not hesitate to brand British

Japanese soldiers.

terrible

and

Chinese Junks

German merchants

in China

aso

ія

مالية

in

1 should

pro-

on

But posal, that if Germany really wishes

General Situation

course

the

as that silun-

in

for their

the

End to War Further than that, I am afraid I

the war in China to u

СТРОПСous and

thought

זי

10

there

na hla official statement could go, his As we are speaking of these ex- to me and my cesses, I must, as one who was at words-ut any rate noble friends appeared to contain a sea for many years myself, make a

sumurals un defenceless Chinese fisting Junks. There is a freema sonry of the sen and these junk sea- Since then certain events of great men and fishermen are a very importance have taken place in race indeed. They are always Chino. As your

Lordships are ready to come to the help of others aware, the Island of Haloom has in the ordinary accidents of the sea. been Invaded by the Japanese. They take their wives and children Following the fall of Canton, the on very long voyages. The attack

I think have now dealt with the great part and colony of Hongkong on these helpless fishermen, as n

specific points which the noble Lord is practically blockaded. Threats polley of terrorism, was a most abo-

raised during the

of his have been levelled at the author.ties miable act for which words suf-

So far as the Customs in that area speech, but I should like of the International Settlement to find. There is no military ob- information indicates that the Cus- or two about the general situation.

ficiently condemnatory are difficult are concerned, the latest available this

to take opportunity of I see in today's news- Shanghai.

saying a word papers that there is a modification Jective in destroyin; these junks and

toms at Canton, while they have noi

When we last debated of the Japanese attitude, and I am shermen, and as these attacks were actually

the Chinese bcen brought under question, before Christmas. I took possible up to now. In addition to Japanese control, have very glad to see that, but I must ear our own territorial waters, 1 remind your Lordships that the so-Sugest that some protest should bejected to a certain measure of con- detall I think, the altitude of its that the general position in regard been sub- the opportunity of explaining, in some that, I can assure the noble Lord made. called Government of Nanking— | a I am not accusing the Gov-rol by the Japanese, as in the case Majesty's Government towards the which, of course, is completely un- ernment of being blind to these the Shanghai Customa, and a problem, and, therefore, I can do stantly under

to this aspect of the question is con- der Japanese control-has used ex-

events. I believe the number of Japanese nationals are little more than repeat what I sald never lost sight of.

consideration und is traordinary language towards our Foralgn Omice are well aware of being added the staff. The Cus- nationals and the French nationalsem and. deplore them as much as tums at Toihow,

that occasion. In gene the in the island of Far-Eastern policy of His Majesty'a

general, do. in the International Settlement. I

Hainan, have been treated in the Government is based on the Nine- will trouble your Lordships, if 1 may, I have already mentioned the se

sume way. I should like to add this, Power Treaty, the

main by reading out the exact words. It tion of the German Nazi ofeiate in

that it was largely due to the cour of which I outlined when we last an unable to go this afternoon, but

provisions is a Reuter's report of February 26 Nanking. My information is that Deputy Commissioner at that time Maj

age and tenacity of Mr. Hooper, the had a debate on this question, Jis would like finally to say this. The lust:

are just RA

Government Nanking Government says alarmed and disturbed by what who is a British subject, that the the Japanese

Majesty's charge of the Customs at. Cantan. fure, at some pains to make clear to is no possibility of the Powers joint- were, there-noble Lord has asked whether there Customs administration at that port Note which they addressed to them Japanese Government with a view to

Government in the

hely and French vessels and the Inter-me. It is the German officinis

bringing pressure to bear upon the

unless Brain and France reconsider upport id comfort for the Japanese lack on Canton and its capture by nlse changes Involving ringe.socedy end. It would be dmcult to national Settlement as an enemy who have to adopt an attitude of was held intact throughout the al-

On January 14 that they cannot

bringing re- and change their attitude of assist-uthorities, I should like to take the Japanese.

ments of or derogations from the say, this opportunity of repeating what I Ing the Chiang Kai-shek regime, have said before, that here is a tre-about Hainan, to which the noble

like to say something provisions of this Treaty which are say that which is the public enemy of the

curht about by

by the were prospects of being able to force That is very strong

chance for the German Lord has referred. Japanese troops! Chinese nation."

mendous

or by the language to be used by a Govern-Government to show their good faith, landed in the island on the 10th of unilateral modification of achieve

that objective, but I can ment which is supposed

hamanity to speak for

and will

its terms. They cannot agree that say that is Majesty's Government for peace, by

mid on taal month,

the 14th His the with any section of the Chinese people, joining with ourselves and

is obsolete Majesty's Ambassador of Tokyo, who

or that its are in close and constant consulta- other interested but which,

Powers to bring As we know, does not

no longer meet the station been instructed to make repre- tion, except in so far

with the other Powers con- provic Saty pressure to bear-diplomatic and, if sentations to the Japanese Governtion has been altered by Japan represent anybody but themselves.

on matters which affect their cerned In addition, Japanese troops have necessary, economic pressure-to fore, in case thy words might reach contravention of its terms.

common

interests. Wit a_view 10 erected barricades and electricnily-slop this mud adventure of thenyone who could pass on the

securing a settlement which will be Japanese millurists controlled cables round the British

In Chinn. 1

this is not to say that His fair and just to both sides and take Concession at Tientsin. There is no ventured to make the suggestion be

to make some return for the great Majesty's Government contend that all proper account of the interest of military objective in invading Hal-events in South China and in other advantages that the present Prime this Treaty or any other Treaty is third parties, His Majesty's Govern-

Minister hins conferred upon her by, eternal. If the nan Island, so far as the Japanese parts of China. The House will re-

Japanese or any

ment have indicated to the Chinese war on the Chinese Central Govern-member that apart from the occu- tis policy of appeasement, there is other signatory has any constructive and Japanese Governments that they ment is concerned. It is deliber-pation of Amoy by the Japanese their chance in China, where their suggestions to make regarding points are ready at all times to use their ately provocative of the French and Navy on May 13 lust, the Sino-interests are idential with ours. We on which it is thought that the good offices, and they will not hes also of ourselves. Hainan Istand is Japanese hostilities were not ex-recently heard the German Chun-Treaty might be improved, Ifis Ma- tate to take all necessary steps as of great strategic importance to us, tended to South China till October cellor proclaim that Germany must

Jess Government

soon as the moment appears to be because it flanks the line of com- last, when the Japanese Innded at export or die. There is an immense

be, rendy to consider

appropriate. But, as I say once munications between Singapore and Bu

Bias Bay and began their advance market in China, where the Germana and enter lato negotiations

with all

again, I I am afraid I must admit that Hongkong. I understand that the on Canton. The City was occupied with have no chance whatever of the other signatories regarding the at present the situation does not ap- Indo-French authorities in French ten days later after slight resistance trading if this Japanese policy is modifications suggested. Similarly, pear to have changed in this respect Indo-China had stopped the trade in on the part of the Chinese. Since continued to success.

His Majesty's Government are al- since I addressed your Lordships' arms to Chinn, and even in Red then the, Japanese forces have not

ways ready Parliamentary Under-Secrc-! Cross materials, medical stores, and advanced into the interior but have lary

to resume negotiations House in December Inst, and I can- so on, in return for a promise from contented themselves almost entirely Autairs (The Earl of Plymouth): sub

of

for Forcign W with the Chinese Government on the not look upon the prospects as good. subject of extra-territoriality and have endeavoured to the best of the Japanese that Kainan was re-with consolidating their position in My Lords, I am grateful to the noble other similar questions when peace my ability to deal with the ques- comised as in the French sphere of Canton, where they set up a local Lord for once again having informed has been restored. As I say, a Note tions which the noble Lord raised influence, and would not be attacked, administration entitled the Kwang-me of the special points to which he dressed to the Japanese Government hope that, although I may not have

embodying those points WBX ad-in the course of his speech, and We see what has happened and Itung Self-Preservation Committee on intended to allude to-day. The

nest that this is a practical ex-December 20, and in conducting whole Chinese question is such anese Government has not seat my remark may have given a limited

entirely

satisfled him, at any rate ample of the uselessness of a policy mopping up operation in the Della vast one deal with every aspect any reply,

that it would really be of so-called appeasement where the of the Pearl River,

impossible to

satisfaction to him and others In Japaness are concerned. I have re-

your Lordships' House. Two of these operations have of the situation out there. There- cently been in the East myself, I taken place in close proximity to the fore, I will confine my remarks to

Lord Strabolgi: My Lords, I have was very glad to hear when I was boundary of the Hongkong leased the points that have been specifically The noble Lord has suggested cer-only to thank the noble Earl for his in Burma that the motor road from territory. On the first otension, to raised by the noble Lord. The dif- tain ways in which he thinks that very full reply to the question I put

North-West that British Dominion dd, Not Westwards the end of November last, ficuity in approaching this question we should deal with the situation on the Paper. I quite understand inif heavily used for the transport of soldiers crossed

small parties Japanese is to give practical effect to any de- When I have been explaining the that it is not possible for him at this

the frontier Into

sires or feelings that one may have, position of His Majesty's Govers stage to give greater satisfaction. all sort of goods, including muni- British territory, but retired when and although with much that the ment with regard to this matter if I may say so, think he has gold tions. I auggest that that is the their error was pointed out to them. noble Lord said I agree, at the same have always pointed out that, in the all he could under the circumstances. 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 mutter is un- militarists understand.

incident occurred. Six Japanese

very much thought to the no measures such as some of those der review, that the possibility of neroplanes engaged in these mop- practicability of some of his which the noble Lord described will joint action has not been lost sight ping-up operations, flow at a low suggestions.

really be of any use in solving this of, and that His Majesty's Govern- I am also glad to note, as I am altitude over the Hongkong; border

difficulty or helping situation ment are with us in deploring these sure that your Lordships will be

refer to the general situa unless they are going to be effective appalling events

the near Shamchun, подг

brid

dropped six tion, I should like to give him come

in China and in that the United States Government bombs in British leated territory, information which he has asked for measures, Clearly, for measures of wishing to bring them to an end. have granted a substantial loan to killing one Sikh policeman and six relating in particular to recent the kind which he described, such

Perhaps I may be permitted to re- China, and that we have also granted Chinese and causing considerable ment, was informed by the Japanese as economic sanctions of various mark on what the noble Earl said a small credit, I trust that further damage to a train. Machine gun fire Minister for Foreign Affairs that the kinds, it is absolutely essential that with regard to the Chinese Customs, financial assistance will bo forh coming. The reason why I say that was also opened on the British rail- object of the occupation was to ren-nction should be taken by all in- that your Lordships are aware that

way station, and two Chinese were der effective broudly; the Chinese to-day are killed and a bumber of people, which

the blockade of the terested parties at the same time, very substantial international loans south coast of China. Mr. Arila Although I cannot say more than have been secured on, the Chinese fighting our batties for us. Suppos- we have not been able exactly to as further said that its duration would that on that particular subject, Customs, and that the revenue de- ing the Japanese bad 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- two years ago they boasted they very slime day Sir Robert Craigie, military needs, and that its charac- Lordships House to the various ways ly and honestly administered. We would, in breaking Chinese resist-dur Ambassador at Tokyo, made a ter would, similarly, be dictated in which His Majesty'n Government surely have very strong ground for snee in ninety days, how long would preliminary protest to the Japanese purely by military considerations as have nselated the Chinese Govern-protesting against any infringement it have been before there would have Government," replice on Feb-Japan Tad no territoriul designsment in the extremely difficult pos- there, especially this is the extra- been a direct threat to Hongkong ruary 23 expressing profound regret there. And then to Mainya and the Dutch at the incident and promising to pay ceived by

Similar assurances were re-tion in which they now are. As ordinary part of it since there has East Indies? Suppose that Japan full compensation

the French and United your Lordships know, we have from been no declaration of war by the for the daminge States Ambassadors.. hind susceeded in subjugating all done. Assurances

I understand the beginning of the war kept Can- Japanese Government oa China. have also been China, and recovering her economie received that disciplinary measures

that the United States Government ton open as a means of communien- The whole of this ghastly compaign have despatched a destroyer to safq-|tion for Chinn. Of and military strength, and unpose would be taken against those who uard United States interests on channel could no longer be made use cannot have it both

course that referred to as an incident. They we were involved in more difficul-were

ways. They shown to be guilty after o Hoinan 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. mcat are intending to take similar to that we have, as the noble Lord terfere with the Chinese Customs on that British interests in the Paclile and that adequate measures would action. Although I am fully aware pointed out, built a road through which Important loans are secured. would have been left 'Untouched?

The, next observation that I wish be taken to ensure that there would of the strategic or tactical considera-Burma to the Chinesa border to Join But as I say, I am obliged to the to make is this. This war against These assurances have now

be no repetition of such an incident. tions involved, as a matter of fact up with the Chinese Yunnan-Fu noble Earl and I quite appreciate China is not an old-fashioned war embodied in n formal, Note handed important British interests on that nowers, na your Lordships know, un present time. In these circumstances, been it cannot be said that there are any Road. More recently, we have taken that he could not say more at the of conquest. It is being waged with on February 17 to our Ambassador. aland. the utmost cruelty and bestiality. In who, on the fastructions of my noble

der

the Export Guarantees. Act, 1 beg leave to withdraw my Motion. The position of the the occupied territories, as in Man-friend the Secretary

Motion French which will enable us to give credits

for Papers, by Icave, of State for Government is undoubtedly some to China more easily than has been withdrawn.

AUDE

Loan to China

two

The

tual

Before

an

January 14, but so

Measures Taken

for tre

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