§ 20. Mr. PONSONBYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House any information as to the present situation in Hong Kong?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Amery)My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. The Governor of Hong Kong has reported that, owing to political pressure from Canton, a number of workers there have struck. The Governor states that the strike is due solely to the disturbances in China, and that no economic question is involved. I have asked him for a report on the measures taken to deal with the situation, and on its receipt I will make a statement to the House. Meanwhile, I have no reason for assuming that the Colonial Government has not got the situation well in hand.
§ Mr. J. HUDSONWill the right hon. Gentleman request the Governor to supply him with information in regard to the economic conditions, in addition to requesting him for information as to the steps to be taken?
§ Mr. LOOKERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the form of pressure which is exercised upon the Chinese in Hong Kong is by means of threats to deal with their wives and families up in the country?
§ Mr. KIRKWOODThe right hon. Gentleman stated that the Government had the situation well in hand. What does he mean by the Government having the situation well in hand?
§ Mr. AMERYIt means that the Government of Hong Kong is able to preserve law and order in the Colony.