§ 7. Mr. A. Hendersonasked the Prime Minister whether he can now make a statement on the recent air bombing of the civilian population and destruction of civilian property in the city of Canton, in China?
§ 10. Mr. Dayasked the Prime Minister particulars of the number of persons who have been evacuated from Canton by British warships following the air-raids on that city; how many British residents have been killed or injured in same; and what further representations have been made by the British Government to the Japanese government on this subject?
§ The Prime MinisterI regret to say that reports which have been received show that Japanese aircraft bombed Canton on 28th, 29th and 30th May. As a result of the raids, approximately 450 were killed and 1,000 wounded, and considerable damage was caused to private property. The reports indicate that, whatever may have been the objects aimed at, most of the bombs fell on places which cannot be considered as of military importance. No refugees have been evacuated from Canton by British warships as a result of air-raids, and no reports have been received of British subjects having been killed or injured. Instructions have been sent to His Majesty's Ambassador at Tokyo to protest urgently against this indiscriminate bombing of civilian areas and thickly-populated centres.
§ Mr. DayArising out of Question No. 10, can the Prime Minister say whether British warships are still standing by for the purpose of taking off British residents if necessary?
§ The Prime MinisterI should have notice of a question of that kind, but I should rather think so.
§ Mr. ThorneIs it not possible to get representatives of a number of European States to agree to the abolition of bombing?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think that that would have the slightest effect in China.
§ Mr. DayWill the Prime Minister answer that part of my Question where I asked whether British warships have evacuated any British subjects?
§ The Prime MinisterI have answered that.
§ Mr. A. HendersonIn view, of the special obligations of this country and other countries who signed the Nine-Power Treaty, will the Prime Minister consider making an approach to those other countries with a view to general representations being made to the Japanese Government?
§ The Prime MinisterI will do anything that I think would be really effective in preventing the Japanese Government from sanctioning raids or bombing of this character.
Mr. MenderBeyond holding up their hands in horror, do the Government propose to do anything at all?
§ The Prime MinisterIf we could hold up in horror the hands of other people we would certainly do so.
§ 9. Mr. de Rothschildasked the Prime Minister what information he has of the circumstances in which machinery was removed by Japanese from the British-owned Sungsing cotton mill at Yangtzepoo and transferred to the Japanese-owned Kungdah mill; whether representations have been made to the Japanese authorities; and what steps are being taken to secure restitution of the stolen articles and satisfactory settlement of this incident?
§ Mr. ButlerI understand that Japanese military authorities at Shanghai recently began the removal from Sungsing No. 7 mill of machinery mortgaged to British interests. His Majesty's authorities at Shanghai and Tokyo have made urgent representations for the restoration of this machinery.
§ Mr. BennThe Under-Secretary has, no doubt, observed that the American Government have obtained immediate restitution?
§ Mr. ButlerI have told the right hon. Gentleman that His Majesty's authorities at Shanghai and Tokyo have made urgent representations for the restoration of this machinery.