§ 3. Mr. STEWARTasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Chinese Government have made any progress in either interning or deporting Germans who have been resident in China; and whether the Chinese Government have taken any steps towards sequestrating the property of Germans in that country with a view to curtailing their hostile propaganda, which the command of ample funds has so far enabled them to pursue?
§ Lord R. CECILOn China's declaration of war against the Central Powers, the Chinese Government took immediate steps to intern the German and Austro-Hungarian Legation Guards in Peking, and a few months ago informed the Allied Powers that they had decided to intern a certain number of the enemy civilian residents suspected of political intrigues and other dangerous activities. I regret to say, however, that, beyond preparing a suitable place for the reception of these persons, the Chinese Government have not yet proceeded with their actual internment. Similarly, although the Chinese Government have drawn up Regulations against enemy trading and for the sequestration of enemy property and businesses, these measures have, so far, not been rigorously enforced. The Allied Representatives at Peking have recently taken steps to press upon the attention of the Chinese Government this unsatisfactory state of things. They have been assured by the Minister for Foreign Affairs that the President has issued a mandate giving instructions that China shall fulfil her duties to her Allies.
§ Mr. STEWARTWill the Noble Lord say if due regard will be taken of the little assistance the Chinese Government have given us in this matter, especially having regard to the great help we gave them in holding up the Boxer indemnity, and in other ways?
§ Lord R. CECILUndoubtedly we shall not forget the events of the case wherever they occur.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODDid not the Chinese Government, when Kiao Chau was taken, allow a large number of German officers to escape from China as doctors?