BRITAIN, U.S. AND CHINA

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 524, 29 November 1928, Page 9

BRITAIN, U.S. AND CHINA

QUESTIONS IN COMMONS SIR AUSTEN EXPLAINS British Official Wireless Reed. Noon. RUGBY, Wednesday. The Foreign Secretary, Sir Austen Chamberlain, stated in the House of Commons that the British Government had had no occasion to make any communication to either the French or the German Government; regarding the withdrawal of British troops from the Rhineland, as distinct from evacuation by all three occupying Powers. Negotiations with the National Government of China for a treaty on tariff matters were in progress, said the Foreign Secretary. In the circumstances, he preferred at this stage to make no detailed statement regarding the present position. No negotiations were taking place on the question of extra territoriality. Questioned about the relations between Great Britain and Japan in regard to China, Sir Austen said these were based on the obligations of the full and frank communication specified in Article 7 of the Washington China Treaty of 1922, and on the fact that Japan and Great Britain had much larger interests in China than the other Washington Powers. In these circumstances the two Governments had agreed informally that the close contact which they desired to maintain could best be\ promoted and developed by constant communication and consultation between their respective Ministers at Peking. There were no conversations proceeding between the two Governments regarding China other than this informal exchange of information, and which he hoped would be continued. This arrangement was not a new departure but was a natural consequence ot' the Washington obligations. Similar conversations and consultations took place between the British Minister and the Ministers of other Powers at Peking. Colonel Wedgwood Beim (Labour), asked if there was the same consultation of, and collaboration with, America as with Japan. Sir Austen replied that from the very first day he took office it had been his earnest desire to work harmoniously both with the United States and Japan in respect to common interests. He was quite certain the answer he had given would not be new to Washington. He added that Washington must be aware that one of the very first steps which he took on assuming office was to express the hope that this country and the United States might pursue a common policy, and at any rate consult freely in regard to all matters in relation to China.