HC Deb 16 November 1931 vol 259 cc482-4
12. Sir B. FALLE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if any attempt will be made to discover the grave and remains of Mr. John Thorburn so that a Christian ceremony may be read over such remains and last honours rendered; and if compensation will be paid by the Chinese Government to the family of Mr. Thorburn, and to what amount?

Mr. EDEN

Since the Chinese report stated that the officer who shot Mr. Thorburn caused all the evidence, including the body, to be destroyed, I fear that the proposal in the first part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question is not practicable. With regard to the second part, no claim for compensation has been advanced by the family.

Sir B. FALLE

Is my hon. Friend aware that the country is not satisfied in this matter! Is he aware that Mr. Thornburn's body has not been found, that his bones which were stated to have been burned, not destroyed, have not been found, and that some people are of opinion that if a dog had been killed in this country more interest and energy would have been displayed?

Mr. EDEN

In view of all the circumstances of this case, I fear that there can now hardly be any hope of recovering Mr. Thorburn's body.

Mr. MARJORIBANiKS

Will the hon. Member invoke the power of the League of Nations in this matter?

Sir CHARLES CAYZER

In view of the fact that the relatives have been put to very great personal expense in endeavouring to ascertain the facts of the case, will the British Government strongly press for compensation?

Mr. EDEN

If any claim for compensation is made, it will be fully considered.

Sir C. CAYZER

Will the British Government make a claim?

15. Sir C. CAYZER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British Government accepts the statement of the Chinese Government on the murder of Mr. John Thorburn as being an accurate and satisfactory statement; and whether, in view of the admission by the Chinese Government that Mr. Thorburn was murdered by a subordinate Chinese official, in disregard of China's treaty obligations to hand over all foreigners for trial to the International Court, the British Government intend to press the Chinese Government for full reparation and financial redress on behalf of Mr. Thorburn's family?

Mr. EDEN

His Majesty's Minister in China has been authorised to inform the Chinese Government that the statement communicated by them is accepted as satisfactory. With regard to the second part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer returned to-day to the hon. Member for Portsmouth, North (Sir B. Falle).

Sir C. CAYZER

In view of the disgraceful facts disclosed by this case, is it the intention of the British Government to postpone any further surrender of our extraterritorial rights?

Mr. EDEN

That is another question, but I think the hon. Member appreciates that this officer, through the vigorous representations made by His Majesty's Minister, hast been severely dealt with by the Chinese Government. He has been court-martialled and sentenced to 14 years' imprisonment, and the order has been promulgated. Bearing in mind the conditions previous to Mr. Thorburn's unwarranted retention after arrest, I do not think that this result is unsatisfactory.

Sir C. CAYZER

If the Foreign Office receives a claim for compensation for Mr. Thorburn'.s relatives, will the British Government press the claim?

Mr. EDEN

We will gladly consider a claim if we receive one.