§ 3. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement with regard to recent events at Wuhu, when one of His Majesty's ships had to intervene; what is the number of British nationals and other foreigners, respectively, normally resident at Wuhu; how many of these British and other foreigners, respectively, have been evacuated; and whether the position of foreigners at Wuhu is under negotiation with the Cantonese Government?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINSerious rioting and looting broke out at Wuhu at 5.0 p.m. on 8th March. The native Customs and tie Customs Club were looted, and the Maritime Custom House was surrounded and some Europeans locked in by soldiers. The rioting was the work of a mob incited by agitators; the police and troops endeavoured to afford protection, but the latter were tardy in their action. The local authorities subsequently took steps to deal with the looters, and business, Chinese and foreign, was resumed on 10th March.
The Customs have also resumed normal working, except for the native Customs, whose building is completely wrecked. Most of the foreign men have returned to their residences, though some still sleep on board ship. All British women and children have been evacuated. There were large demonstrations on 9th and 12th March, but these passed off without incident. I have no exact statistics as to the foreign population of Wuhu, but, according to estimates based on available information, there are normally about 140 foreigners residing there, including about 60 British. I have no information regarding the evacuation of non-British foreigners. These disturbances have been brought to Mr. Chen's notice by 1980 Mr. Teichman, who has asked him to telegraph instructions for the protection of British life and property and the suppression of anti-British agitation.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIn regard to the last part of the question, is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied as to the position of these foreigners in Wuhu, including our own people, or is the matter still under negotiation?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINMr. Teichman has asked Mr. Chen to telegraph instructions for the protection of British life and property. It must depend upon the way in which the Chinese authorities discharge their responsibilities.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYAre we to understand that these nationals of ours depend really upon the good behaviour of the Chinese authorities at Wuhu and their troops?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINYes, Sir. His Majesty's Government are most loath to interfere, and have dealt with the authorities of Southern China and the Nationalist Government on the basis that they, having assumed responsibility, would discharge their duties. I hope they will.