Mr. Moreing asked the of Siate for Foreign Affairs whether hho is aware that each of the two oilways between Nanking and Shanghai and Nanking and Tiensin, respectively, at the present time ear. les more extensive trate than any of the other railways in China and that both these railways are in ex tent are they in default; and. what sepa la he aking to. secure prompt payment of the indebtedness?
Sir J. Simon: Tam not ina posltion. 16 confirm my" fon. "Friend's statement about the trate position, but Tam aware that the service of the loans 1s seriously tu arrear. The figures for which he asks ave ts fol-Yow: On June, i last the amounts Nanking "Raitway" oan and ive. in respect of the
British" portion" of the "'ientsine Pukow Railway loan were £100,712 snd "22182381, "respectively.
Majesty' Minister in China has made frequent representations to the Chin tore Government onthe subject of this indebtedness and wil continue press for full and prompt payment Of the amount due.
ME. Moreing: While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his foply, may I ask What has. Become of the Chinese promise to set aside a cer= tain regular sum to. repay. arrears?
Sir Jo Simon: I think Y am right saying that in the case of one of these railway loans there was a pays ment made not long ago, but T should have to. ask notice "from my has. Friend before 1 could properly: mahs further statement about it Ins. Moreing asking the Secretary of Siate for Foreign Affairs whether the was informed of the recent visit this country of Mer. Huang Po {Siaou, the managing director et the whether advantage was taken of this entleman's presence in London Giscuss with him the arrears due Butt tondnolders of the Shanghal-'Nanking Railway?
Sir J. Simon: No, Sir, T have heard nothing of this gentleman having visited this country.
Mr. Moreing: Do not the Far Eastern Department of the Foreign Office keep in touch with the Chinese Lega= tion so as to have full information of any important Chinese arriving London?
Sir J. Simon: Certainly, all proper contact is kept, but at the same time Trmuight point out that if it were the! case of a: managing director of a ral: way company who was in this coun: ry, one would have thought: thet was primarily a matter in which the Dondhelders would be interested.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.