§ MR. BRYCE (Aberdeen, S.)asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether it is the fact that Port Hamilton is to be shortly evacuated by Her Majesty's Forces; and, if so, what arrangements have been made with the Chinese or any other Government regarding its future custody?
§ MR. F. S. STEVENSONand MR. YOUNG (Christchurch)had the following Questions on the Paper:—
To ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether it is true that Port Hamilton has been evacuated?
To ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether Port Hamilton has been given up to the Corean Government; and, if so, whether any and what conditions were attached to such transfer; and, whether Her Majesty's Government acted under naval advice in the matter?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir JAMES FERGUSSON) (Manchester, N.E.)With the permission of the hon. Member for Christchurch, I will answer his Question at the same time; and I am also requested by the Secretary of State for the Colonies to answer that of the hon. Member for the Eye Division of Suffolk. Port Hamilton will shortly be evacuated by Her Majesty's Forces. No arrangements have been made respecting its future custody; but it is understood that a Corean official will be present at the time of the departure of the British ships. No conditions have been made with the Corean Government; but Her Majesty's Government did not determine to retire from Port Hamilton 390 till they had received a guarantee that no part of Corea, including Port Hamilton, will be occupied by any Foreign Power. Her Majesty's Government acted under naval advice when they decided to leave Port Hamilton. Papers on the subject will shortly be presented to Parliament.