HC Deb 09 July 1930 vol 241 cc395-6
1. Mr. DAY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House any further information as to the position in China?

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

I have no information of any important developments since the reply which I gave to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Woolwich West (Sir K. Wood) on 30th June.

Mr. DAY

Has my right hon. Friend had any report at all with regard to the British women missionaries who have been captured in China in the past week?

6. Sir KINGSLEY WOOD

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Communists at Tochow have seized a British tow-launch, and that two British missionaries, Miss Nettleton and Miss Harrison, have been captured at Chungan; and what action is being taken?

Mr. HENDERSON

Yes, Sir. A British tug was seized at Yochow on 3rd July. Though seriously damaged by fire, it was subsequently recovered. The two lady missionaries were captured by brigands in the interior of Fukien. Representations have been made to the provincial authorities and to the Government at Nanking.

Mr. WARDLAW - MILNE

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information as to the safety of these ladies?

Mr. HENDERSON

I did have a communication that they were safe but I should require notice before I could give information.

Mr. DAY

Is the statement in the question that the brigands were Communists correct?

Mr. HENDERSON

I have no information.

Sir BASIL PETO

Were there armed guards on the tow launches?

Mr. HENDERSON

Not that I am aware of.