HC Deb 07 March 1927 vol 203 c820
71. Mr. MOSLEY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on what date advice was given by His Majesty's Government to British nationals in China, resident outside Shanghai, to repair to places of safety; and how many have taken his advice?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

Advice to British nationals in the interior of China to withdraw to places of safety has been given from time to time since November last, whenever the districts in which they resided became so disturbed as to call for this precaution. I cannot give the actual figures, but I understand that this advice has been generally acted upon.

Mr. MOSLEY

May I ask whether all these nationals were not advised to repair to the Treaty ports before it was published that a defence force had left this country for Shanghai?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

I have already said that advice was given shortly after November last.