§ 18. Captain P. MACDONALDasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what extent the lives or property of British subjects have been adversely affected by events in China since the beginning of the Parliamentary Recess; and what steps have been taken to safeguard them?
Mr. A. HENDERSONOn two occasions during this period there seemed to be some ground for anticipating danger to British lives and property. In July, as a precautionary measure, British subjects were evacuated from Changsha, but were able to return some days later. In August there was a rebel advance to- 1295 wards Hankow, and certain British forces were moved to that city, but no loss of life or damage to property, in fact, occurred. Generally speaking, conditions have been somewhat disturbed in the interior; but His Majesty's Minister and Consular Officers are fully alive to the possibilities of the situation.