§ 1. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he now has information about the situation at Ningpo and the occupation of the Ningpo Trinity College belonging to the Church Missionary Society; and whether negotiations are in progress between His Maesty's Government and the Chinese Government, or the governing body concerned, for the return of this property, and also for the return of the Church Missionary Society's hospital at Hangchow?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir Austen Chamberlain)I am informed by the Church Missionary Society that a telegram received this week reports the threatened confiscation of their property at Hangshow, but that the hospital there is still open. Apart from this I have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member on the 14th instant.
His Majesty's Minister at Peking has been instructed to furnish a report on this matter. He states that a preliminary report was posted on the 12th instant, and as it is being sent by the quickest route, it should reach me in a few days' 362 time, when I will endeavour to give the hon. and gallant Member the information he desires.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWith reference to the second part of my question as to negotiations for the restoration of this property, would not the right hon. Gentleman consider giving instructions that negotiations be tried to see if this property could not be returned by agreement?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINI have no doubt that the Consular officers will do anything they can to secure any return of the property taken, but I think before issuing any instructions I had better wait to receive their report, and see whether, in fact, instructions are required.