§ 4. Mr. DAYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his Department has received any notifications through the State Department at Washington of the occurrence in which Mr. J. W. Reid, a British subject, has been captured by Mexicans and insurgents in Mexico and is being held to ransom; and can he give particulars?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, but His Majesty's Minister at Mexico City has reported that Mr. J. W. Reid, a British subject, together with an American citizen, has been kidnapped by bandits and is being held to ransom. Both men are employed by a mining company in the State of Durango. His Majesty's Minister and the United States Ambassador are in communication on the subject with the Mexican Government, and His Majesty's Vice-consul at Durango has been instructed to co-operate with his United States colleague in endeavouring to secure the release of the captured men.
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINNo, I cannot.