HC Deb 06 June 1907 vol 175 cc839-40
*Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAY (St. Andrews Burghs)

I beg to ask the (Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will consider the claim of the relatives of the late Police Constable Morrow, who was shot dead, in the execution of his duty, at Shanghai, on or about 11th March, by armed Chinese robbers, who ran away into the country; and whether he will instruct His Majesty's Ambassador at Pekin to approach the Chinese Government so that adequate compensation may be granted to the family of Mr. Morrow, who are in necessitous circumstances.

SIR EDWARD GREY

I regret that I can add nothing to the Answer given to the hon. Member for Mid. Armagh on the 13th ultimo on this subject. † And much as His Majesty's Government regret the facts disclosed in the Question, they cannot found a claim for compensation on a case which took place in a district policed, not by Chinese, but by the European municipality, and in which it does not appear that any Chinese official was in any way responsible.

*MAJOR ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

Is it not the case that the mob came from Chinese territory outside the European municipality, and retreated into Chinese † See(4) Debates, clxxiv, 696. territory? Am I right in assuming that it was a Chinese mob?

SIR EDWARD GREY

In this case I think the disturbance was caused by people residing in municipal territory. They were Chinese.

*MAJOR ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

pressed the right hon. Gentleman to make further inquiry.

SIR EDWARD GREY

If the hon. Member will put a Question on the Paper I will inquire.