§ 19 Sir KINGSLEY WOODasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will give the latest information in his possession concerning affairs in China, including the position of the Customs at Tientsin and the position if the negotiations as to extra-territoriality; and whether the British subjects held to ransom have now been released?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Dalton)There has been no important change in the military situation. The Customs machinery set up at Tientsin by the Northerners appears to be working, but there is considerable dislocation of trade. As regards extra-territoriality, I have nothing to add to the reply given to the right hon. Gentleman on the 16th of July. His Majesty's Consul at Foochow has succeeded in evacuating a number of 13 British subjects from the interior, but I regret that the British subjects held to ransom have not yet been released.
§ Sir K. WOODAre further efforts to be made?
§ Mr. DALTONCertainly. We are in constant communication with our representatives in China.
§ Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMSDoes the hon. Gentleman expect to be able to effect the release of these people before the House rises?
§ Mr. DALTONI cannot say when we may hope to effect their release, but we shall leave no stone unturned to do so.
§ Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEIs it a question of ransom?
§ Mr. DALTONYes, Sir. Ransom is being demanded for these British subjects.