§ 3. Sir KINGSLEY WOODasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what measures are being taken to protect British subjects in Nanking; how many British subjects have been captured and how many have been murdered during the last 12 months; whether adequate protection to British subjects is now being afforded by the Nanking Government; and what is the present general condition of the country so far as law and order are concerned?
Mr. A. HENDERSONThe situation at Nanking is not such as to call for any special measures for the protection of British subjects. No British subjects have been murdered or captured at Nanking during the last 12 months. The National Government recognise their responsibility for ensuring the adequate protection of British subjects, and I am confident that they are anxious to discharge it to the best of their power. The right hon. Gentleman may perhaps realise, however, that there are parts of China, more especially in the interior, which are at present only nominally under the control of Nanking. It is, I regret to say, quite probable that attacks on British subjects may from time to time occur in these districts.
§ Sir K. WOODHas the right hon. Gentleman in his reply had regard to the murder of the lady missionaries and others who, I understand, are under the protection of this Government?
Mr. HENDERSONI have had that all in my mind, and I think I have answered the points put in the question.
§ Sir K. WOODBut does the right hon. Gentleman suggest that adequate protection has been afforded in these unfortunate instances?