HC Deb 11 December 1929 vol 233 cc434-5
7. Sir KINGSLEY WOOD

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state the present position in Nanking and Shanghai?

15. Captain PETER MACDONALD

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any further statement to make respecting the progress of affairs in China?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

I have no information beyond that contained in my reply on the 9th of December to the hon. and gallant Member for the Isle of Wight (Captain Macdonald), except that the majority of British and American women and children left Nanking for Shanghai on 8th December and arrived safely on 9th December.

Sir K. WOOD

So far as the right hon. Gentleman can ascertain, is the presence of the British forces having a salutary effect, and is the position improving?

Mr. HENDERSON

I have no evidence on which I could base a conclusion. The only thing I can say is that on the 9th a Note from the commander said that things were very much quieter.

Mr. SMITHERS

Does the right hon. Gentleman still think that the sending of British warships is tantamount to murder? [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh!"]

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