Oral Answers to Questions — Burma-Yunnan Dispute.

– in the House of Commons at on 26 November 1934.

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Photo of Captain Albert Fuller Captain Albert Fuller , Manchester Ardwick

12.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the present position in the Burma-Yunnan frontier dispute; and what prospect there is of an early settlement?

Photo of Mr John Simon Mr John Simon , Spen Valley

The situation on the frontier is at present quiet. Negotiations are proceeding with the Chinese Government with a view to the determination of the section of the frontier in dispute.

Photo of Captain Albert Fuller Captain Albert Fuller , Manchester Ardwick

Is not this question much greater than the answer which the right hon. Gentleman has given indicates? Is it not the fact that it has been necessary to turn out British troops, many of whom have been out throughout the whole of the monsoon and that there have been many casualties as well?

Photo of Mr John Simon Mr John Simon , Spen Valley

My hon. and gallant Friend must not judge the importance attached to a question by the brevity of the answer. It is understood that the Chinese forces have withdrawn from the area of the dispute and that British forces at no time entered this area. I can assure my hon. Friend that negotiations are in progress and that we have reason to hope that they may lead to a satisfactory conclusion.

Photo of Mr John Gretton Mr John Gretton , Burton

Can the right hon. Gentleman say with which Chinese Government the negotiations are proceeding?

Secretary of State

Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.