HC Deb 17 July 1929 vol 230 cc401-2
1. Mr. DAY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the names and particulars of British subjects who have been kidnapped by Chinese bandits during the previous three months; and have any of these British subjects been released by their captors?

The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Arthur Henderson)

Early in June the town of Shekichen, in south-west Honan, was captured by brigands, who made prisoners of the local missionaries of the China Inland Mission comprising Mr. and Mrs. E. Weller, Mr. and Mrs. J. Walker (with their baby) and Miss Brook. The missionaries are reported to have been well treated by their captors. They were all released, with the exception of Mr. Weller, after some ten days' captivity; Mr. Weller was set at liberty four or five days later.

Mr. DAY

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether ransom was demanded or whether they were released unconditionally?

Mr. HENDERSON

I must have notice of that question.

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