BRITISH POLICY.

Wairarapa Age, 18 March 1927, Page 5

BRITISH POLICY.

HOUSE OS COMMONS DEBATE.

.VOTE OF CONFIDENCE.

LONDON, March 16. In the House of Commons, in answer to questions, Sir Austen Chamberlain stated that the latest information showed that the assassinations of loyal Chinese foremen and workmen in the International Settlement at Shanghai by agitators preparing for a renewal of the strike were increasing. Tho protection of these men was primarily the responsibility of the municipality. It was not at all desirable that British troops, there for another purpose, should do what was the ’s duty to do. He understood that American forces had not been landed at Shanghai, but were being held in reserve aboard ship. Describing the recent rioting and looting at Wuhu, he said that there were normally 145 foreigners, including GO British," there. He had requested Chen to protect British life and property.

Commander Kenworthy: “Arc our nationals at Wuhu dependent on tho good behaviour of Chinese authorities and troops?” Sir A. Chamberlain: “Yes. The Government is loth to interfere, and has dealt with the Nationalist Government on the basis that it would discharge the duties of the responsibilities it has assumed.”

Sir A. Morrison-Bell (C.) moved a resolution approving of the Government’s foresight and prompt action to safeguard the lives of British subjects Endangered in the civil war in China. Mi R. Mitc/fell-Banks (C.) seconded the resolution. He said that Labour’s argument in . every dispute with a foreign Power was that Britain was always in the wrong, and when a dispute between two groups of foreigners arose Labour backed those most hostile to Britain. In the Indian Mutiny they would have congratulated Nana Sahib, and protested against the relief of Lucknow.

Mr. Ll/iycl George said that he was prepared to support the Foreign Secretary in protecting British lives and property in Shanghai, but he deprecated a motion making party capital out of the trouble in China. It. would be time enough to move votes of congratulation when the situation cleared.

The motion was carried by 241 votes ■to 116.—(A. and N.Z.)