§ Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information to give with regard to the recent disturbances in Singapore?
§ Mr. AMERYThe Governor has reported that, following on the celebrations in commemoration of the death of Sun Yat Sen, a collision occurred in Singapore between a section of the Chinese community and the police regulating the traffic. The mob attempted to rush the police station, and the police were eventually compelled to fire. Seven Chinese were killed and 14 wounded, while one European inspector of police, four native police and one native tramway conductor were wounded. The Governor adds that the town is now quiet.
§ Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEWould it not be possible to disperse a mob by other than lethal weapons? There have been many instances of dispersal in other ways.
§ Mr. AMERYI presume that, in view of these celebrations, all those considerations were certainly present in the mind of the officer responsible at the time. I have no information other than that which I have given.
§ Mr. MOSLEYWas any warning given before the firing?
§ Mr. AMERYI presume so, but I have just stated that I have no information beyond that which I have given.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSDoes the right hon. Gentleman think that such action as this will improve our relations with China?
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSSingapore is not Chins.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSNo, but these were Ch4nese people.