"Repeated representations have been made to the Japanese naval and civil authorities, as well as to the Japanese Government, and the British Government trusts that, before long, we shall Obtain more fair treatment for oni ships.
"Meanwhile, I can assure the House that we shall continue to press vigorously for such treatment.
"With regard to navigation on the Yangtse, here again I regret to say that the Japanese are continuing their restrictions against British shipping, in common with the shipping of other foreign countries, and the movement of British subjects and goods up-river.
"The excuses they continue to give are based on the claim of military necessity.
"On November 7, the Governments of the United States, France and Great Britain made parallel representations to the Japanese Government in this connection, and drew their attention to the fact that a steadily increasing and regular trade was being developed by Japanese vessels on the Yangtze.
"The Japanese reply was a denial of the fact that such trade actually existed.
More Evidence on Yangtze Trade "The British Ambassador has produced further evidence in support of our contention, which has been brought to the attention of the Japanese Government, "I can only say. that, in view of the repeated undertakings by the Japanese Government that these restrictions would be removed as soon as military operations against Hankow were con. cluded, we expect an early improvement in the situation.
"With regard to Tientsin and North China, it is quite true that some time ago an embargo was placed on the export of hides from North China.
"Last July and August, important categories were withdrawn from the scope of theʻembargo, as a result of representations by the British Government and other Governments.
"Recently, a further embargo was imposed on wool and hemp from Tientsin.
"The British Government, together with the/German and United States Governments, protested in this connection.
"No settlement was reached, but a Monopoly, Association formed to control the Internal sale of wool in China has been dissolved. gards the discriminatory tax we have received no in-matter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.