HC Deb 01 July 1925 vol 185 cc2495-6
8. Mr. TREVELYAN

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs by whom the Commissioners were nominated to collaborate with the Chinese Commission in the inquiry into the Shanghai disturbance; and what are the names and nationality of the Commissioners?

23. Sir HARRY BRITTAIN

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any, and, if so, what Commission has been appointed to investigate the recent disturbances in Shanghai?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The Commission was appointed by the Diplomatic Body at Peking, and consisted of representatives of the British, American, French, Japanese, Italian and Belgian Legations. The head of the Commission was Monsieur Tripier, Counsellor of the French Legation, and the British representative was Mr. Vereker, First Secretary of His Majesty's Legation at Peking. I have not yet been informed of the names of the other members of the Commission. The primary purpose of the Commission was to examine the situation and report to the Diplomatic Body, but they were also authorised to collaborate in any way they could with the Chinese officials appointed by the Government at Peking to make a similar inquiry.

Mr. MACKINDER

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that newspapers in this country are stating that Europeans have been killed in those recent disorders, whereas the only death was that of Mr. Mackenzie, which was outside of Shanghai, and will he take steps to contradict those statements?

Mr. SPEAKER

That does not arise out of the question on the Paper.

9. Mr. TREVELYAN

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there has yet been any Report from the Commissioners appointed to inquire into the Shanghai disturbances; and to whom the Report is being made in the first instance?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The Commissioners have returned to Peking and reported to the Diplomatic Body, which is considering their Report.