§ 39. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the position of the British officers of the China Merchants' Steam Navigation Company in China; is he aware that about 170 of them have received no wages since the end of November and others have been waiting for a much longer time; that the control of the company has been taken over by the Nanking Government and the Nationalist authorities appear to be taking no action to ensure that the wages are paid; and that many of these men, with families, are on the borderland of starvation: and what action His Majesty's Government proposes to take for their immediate relief?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Godfrey Locker-Lampson)According to my information, the first three parts of the hon. and gallant Member's question are generally in accordance with the facts, except that the number of British subjects involved is considerably less than 170. Representations have been made to the Nationalist authorities on the subject of the default, and every effort will he made with a view to securing payment of the wages due to the British employés in this, as in other, nationalised concerns.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWhat is the result of the representations made?
§ Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONThere has been no result as yet, but a telegram has just been sent with instructions to make further representations.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWill the hon. Gentleman take as vigorous action in this case as he would if the aggrieved persons were wealthy property owners?
§ Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONWe always do our best, where it can be done, to protect British lives, property and interests.
§ Mr. DAYIn view of the hon. Gentleman's statement that the number is considerably less than is stated in the question, can he tell the House what the exact number is?
§ Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONI cannot, without notice, but the figure of 170 given in the question includes a good many Norwegians and White Russians.