London Groups Send Letters to Foreign Secretary London, Nov. 8.
"It is impossible, on the data available at present, to give on estimate fof the losses sustained by British trade in and around Shanghai os 3 result of Japanese attacks there," Acclared Mr. Oliver Stanley, President of the Board of Trade, in reply Mr. William Gallacher, Communist member for West Fife, in the House of Commons yesterday.
In answer to Mr. A, V. Alexander, Labour member for Hillsborough. ShomMeld, Mr. Oliver said that the preliminary figures of monthly trade returns showed a marked decline in China's trade. The Foreign Ofice, the added, was collecting claims for damage there, but no information was yet available.
"Japanese Eneroachment"
The Shanghai situation is the sub-Ject of two letters sent to Mr. An~ tony Eden, the Foreign Secretary, following a'mecting of a committee, headed by It-Gen, Sir George Mac-Donough, representing the China Association, the Federation of British Industries, and the Chambers of Commerce in Bradford, London and Manchester, Grave concern is expressed in one letter at the "continued encroachment of the Japanese in the International Settlement in Shanghai and their. interference with the services of the Shanghai Municipal Council"
It fs suggested these matters shaula be discussed with the representatives of the Powers concerned at the Brussels Conference to formulate a common policy on the International Set-Hlement and avoid any exploitation of the position by either of the belligerent parties when hostilities cease.
The other letter expresses " th hope that opportunity will be taken
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.