BRITISH PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 29 November 1928, Page 5

BRITISH PARLIAMENT

IN THE COALMUNS

SIR A. CM A AIDER LAIN

WELCOMED HACK TO HOUSE

(British Official Wireless.)

(Received this day at 12.25. p.m.) Rl GRY, November 28.

Sir A. Chamberlain returned to the ('ominous to-day alter four months’ absence abroad, lie appeared to have fully recovered 'from bis illness, and when he entered was heartily cheered.

Loaders of all three parties expressed pleasure at his return to the accompaniment ol a demonstration of appromil from all sides of the House. The Foreign Secretary then answered a hatch of questions in regard to a severe sentence passed upon Air Brewer at Luanda. Sir A. Chamberlain said the Portuguese Government had considered the representations made by the British Ambassador at Lisbon, and had informed him thill it was desirous of meeting the views of the British Government. They examined the possibility of releasing or pardoning Brewer. They very much regretted, however, that they bail been unable to take such action, as eases of this kind in Portuguese legal procedure required that judicial documents should lie submitted to the .Minister ol Justice. In the present case these documents could not reach Lisbon before Brewer’s term of imprisonment ended. I lie British Ambassador had been instructed to inform the Portuguese Government that the British Government shared the regret of the Portuguese Government at their inability to act on the lines contemplated. and that while they were fully satisfied of the unwarranted severity of the sentence indicted on Brewer, they proposed to await a report expect'd 'from the British Consul-General at Luanda and consider then what further action they should take. Questioned about the relations ol Great Britain and Japan in regard to China. Sir A. Chamberlain said these were based on obligations of full and frank ruiniminieations 'spedlied in the Washington-Cliina Treaty ol 1022, and on the fact that. Japan and Groat. Britain lin'd'much larger iiite’resfs ill Chinat.hau other Washington powers. In these cireuiiislaiiees the two Got el nineiils bad agreed informally that the dose coiifact which they desired to maintain could best he promoted and development by constant communication and consulta-tion \ between their respective ministers at Peking. There were no conversations proceeding between the two Governments regarding Chma other than this informal exchange of iii'formation and view, winch lie hoped would be continued. 'ibis arrangement was not a new departure. Lot a - natural consequence of the Washington obligations. Similar conversations'- and consultation took place between British ministers and ministers of other Powers at Peking. Colonel Wedgewood (Labourite)— Is there the same consultation of and collaboration with America as with Japan I , , . Sir A.. Chamberlain replied .that from t|,e very lirsl day lie took oiliee it bad been lii's earnest desire to work_ harmoijiouslv both with the United States mid Japan in respect to their coin,non interests. lie was quite certain the answer lie had given would not bo new to Washington. Ho added that AN ashingtou must, be aware that one ot the verv first steps which lie took on assuming office was to express the hope that this country and the United States might pursue a common policy and a ;lliy rate consult freely in regard to all matters in relation to China LONDON, November -8. („ the Commons, Sir A. Chamberlain informal Mr Noel Buxton that cordance with the 1020 Imperial Co - fore lice procedure, the “ n<Mll ' m | IS „1 informed all the dominions ol the nature of the naval compromise. None bad offered comment.