HC Deb 25 February 1924 vol 170 cc13-4
15. Commander BELLAIRS

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make a statement in regard to the protracted negotiations between the diplomatic body and China concerning the policing of the railways and the kidnapping of white men and women?

The PRIME MINISTER

The Chinese Government have assured the foreign representatives at Pekin that they regard the whole matter of railway policing and protection as an urgent problem of China's internal administration, and are fully conscious of their responsibility for a practical solution, and it is understood that they have already taken steps to re-organise the railway police force. As regards the general question of the protection of foreigners against brigandage, the Chinese Government have despatched renewed orders to provincial authorities to redouble their efforts in the prosecution of this essential duty, and the matter was made the subject of especial reference by the President in his inaugural address on 10th October last.