§ 4. Sir E. STOCKTONasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of the apprehensions felt in commercial circles at the trade outlook in China, due to the disturbed internal condition; and whether his Department has received any representations on the subject and, if so, of what nature, from any leading commercial bodies in this country?
§ Mr. McNEILLHis Majesty's Government are fully alive to the apprehensions caused by the present situation in China. Representations have been received from a large number of important commercial bodies emphasising the serious menace to British interests resulting from the present disorders in China.
§ Mr. COLLISONIs it not a fact that a number of British subjects are at present held in captivity by Chinese bandits for the purpose of ransom? What are we doing in regard to them?
§ Mr. McNEILLSo far as I am aware, there is no one in prison at the present time.
§ Mr. COLLISONAre there not 24 Europeans at present in prison? I have received a cable to that effect.
§ Sir HARRY BRITTAINIs not most of the trouble due to the fact that Government finance in China has come to an end?
Lieut.-Colonel J. WARDIs not the plain reason for these disturbances the fact that there is really no Government in China?
§ Mr. McNEILLThat really is the position.