DEBATE IN COMMONS.

North Otago Times, Volume CVII, Issue 17748, 18 March 1927, Page 5

DEBATE IN COMMONS.

MOTION OF CONFIDENCE. *.t3Tv — LONDON, March 16. Questioned in the Commons, Sir Austen Chamberlain stated that the j latest information showed the asi sasinations of loyal Chinese foremen and workmen in the international settlcment in Shanghai by agitators preparing for a renewal of the strike were increasing. The protection of these men was the primary responsibility of the municipality. It was most undesirable that the British troops, there for another purpose, shoulcl do what

the municipauty should uo. Jie onderstood that Amcrican fovces had not landed at Shanghai, but were being hcld in rcscrve aboard ship. Describing the recent rioting and looting at Wuliu, he said. that normally 145 foreigners, including sixty Britishers were there. IIc had requested Chen to protect British life and property. Commander Kenworthy: Arc our nation als at Wuhu dcpendent on the Chinese authorities for the troops' good behaviour? Sir Austen Chamberlain: Ycs. The Government is loth to interfere. It has dealt witl^ the Nationalist Government on the hasis that it would diseharge the ditties of the responsihilitics it has assumed." Mr Morrison Bell moved a rcsolution approving of the Government's forcsight and prompt action to safeguard the lives of Britishers endangered liy the civil war in China. Mr Milchell Banks, seconding, said the Labourites' argument in every dispute with a foreign Power was that Britain was always wrong. i When the dispute was between two | groups of foreigners the Labourites backed those most hostile to Brit-

ain. In the Indian Mutiny they would have congratulated Nansahib and protested against the relief of Lucknow. Mr Lloyd George said he was prepared to support the Foreign Secretary in protecting the British lives and property in Shanghai, but deprecated a motion making party capital out of the trouble in China. T.t would be time enough to move votes of congra.tulation wben the situation cleared. The motion was carried by 241 lo 116.' /