HC Deb 23 December 1929 vol 233 cc1882-4
12. Sir KINGSLEY WOOD

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the present position in China; whether military activity by the Russian Soviet Government is still continuing in Manchuria; whether the Red troops at Tayeh are holding Mr. Sandy and Mr. Livesley, of the Wesleyan Mission, their prisoners; and whether he is taking any steps to secure their release?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

With regard to the general position in China, I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave on the 16th December to the hon. and gallant Member for the Isle of Wight (Captain Macdonald). I have no information that military activity is continuing in Manchuria. Mr. Sandy was captured by bandits at Tayeh, near Hankow, probably on the 13th December, and, so far as I know, is still in captivity. His Majesty's Minister at Peking and the British naval and consular authorities are making every effort to effect his release. Mr. Livesley was not captured but reached Hankow in safety on the 16th December.

Captain EDEN

Did this matter form one of the subjects of the conversation which the right hon. Gentleman had with the Soviet Ambassador the other day?

Brigadier-General Sir HENRY CROFT

Is the right hon. Gentleman making any representations to the Soviet Government reminding them that they signed the Kellogg Pact?

Mr. HENDERSON

I informed the House, several weeks ago, that we have made such representations.

Sir H. CROFT

Has anything come out of the representations?

Mr. HENDERSON

Yes. Immediately negotiations resulted, and, we believe, a settlement has been reached.

Sir H. CROFT

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us a clear indication that no further acts of war are taking place?

Sir K. WOOD

Is it not a fact that negotiations were resumed before the representations were made?

Mr. HENDERSON

I said, in reply to a question the other day, that, almost simultaneously with the move that was made by the American Government, these negotiations were opened.

Mr. W. THORNE

May I ask—

HON. MEMBERS

Order!

Mr. SPEAKER

This must not develop into a Debate.

Mr. THORNE

On a point of Order. Is it in order for the hon. and gallant Member for Bournemouth (Sir H. Croft) to suggest that the Foreign Secretary is misleading the House?

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