asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British representatives or commissioners have yet been appointed to the Chinese Customs Conference; if so, what are the names of the commissioners and the nature of the instructions given them; and if he could give an approximate date on which the Conference is likely to commence its sittings at Shanghai?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN:

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I cannot as yet say when or at what place the Conference is likely to take place. It is, however, provided in the Washington Treaty that it shall meet in China within three months of the deposit of ratifications of the Treaty, on a day and at a place to be designated by the Chinese Government.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the American Government have already appointed their Commissioners to the Customs Conference?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN:

That does not arise out of the question, nor affect my answer to it.