§ 7. Sir K. WOODasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state the present position in China; and whether the British authorities have declared certain territory to be unsafe for the residence of British nationals?
Mr. A. HENDERSONAccording to the latest report I have received from His Majesty's Minister in China, the rival forces in the north have, as yet, only engaged in minor hostilities. There are fears of a new attack on Canton by rebel forces. Seriously disturbed conditions appear to prevail in the Central and South-Eastern Provinces, and British missionaries in Honan, Hupei and Kiagsi have been advised to proceed to places of safety.
§ Sir K. WOODDoes not this statement from the right hon. Gentleman confirm 1268 firm all the suggestions I made a few minutes ago about the undesirability of entering into negotiations with countries in this state?