Oral Answers to Questions — China (Boxer Indemnity).

– in the House of Commons at on 19 July 1922.

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Photo of Mr Robert Waddington Mr Robert Waddington , Rossendale

1.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any nations have remitted part of the Boxer indemnity due from China on the understanding that it is devoted to educational purposes; and whether the United States of America are considering further action in that direction?

Photo of Mr Cecil Harmsworth Mr Cecil Harmsworth , Luton

I am not aware that any nation has remitted a part of the Boxer indemnity due from China, with the exception of the remission by the United States of America in 1908 of a part of their share, which has been used by the Chinese Government for the education of Chinese students in America. In August, 1921, the United States Senate passed a Resolution authorising the President at his discretion to remit all or any of the payments still due. So far as I am aware, this Resolution has not yet passed the House of Representatives, and no information has been received as to the intentions of the United States Government in the matter.

Photo of Colonel Sir Walter De Frece Colonel Sir Walter De Frece , Ashton-under-Lyne

56.

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the renewed expressions of opinion in favour of encouraging the education of Chinese students in this country, whereby they become imbued with British tendencies and commercial methods, he will further consider the desirability of our waiving our claims to the balance of the Boxer indemnity on the strict understanding that it is devoted to the purpose specified?

Photo of Mr Cecil Harmsworth Mr Cecil Harmsworth , Luton

The attitude to be adopted by His Majesty's Government towards the resumption of indemnity payments next December is under consideration in its various aspects.