§ Mr. Burkeasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention 34W has been drawn to the attack by Italian naval ratings on soldiers of the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment in Shanghai; and whether he has made or proposes to make representations to the Italian Government concerning the matter?
§ Mr. EdenYes, Sir, I have had a report to the effect that a dispute, which was the sequel to a quarrel on the previous night, took place in the cabaret district of the French Concession at Shanghai between soldiers of the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment and Italian naval ratings. Two British soldiers are in hospital with minor injuries but are expected to recover shortly. I understand that the incident has been amicably settled by the respective commanders. Italian sailors have visited the injured British soldiers in hospital with presents, and are inviting a party of British troops to an entertainment on board their gunboat. The last part of the question does not therefore appear to arise.