HC Deb 13 June 1932 vol 267 c11
22. Mr. MOREING

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any report from the Consul-General in Shanghai on the firing on the British vessel "Wanliu," at Taipanze, near Chungling, on the Upper Yangtze, on 1st and 2nd June; whether he has any information as to the nature of the Chinese troops taking part in the attack; and, if not, whether he will cause inquiries to be made?

Mr. EDEN

I have not yet received a report on this occurrence. I do not consider it necessary to make special inquiries as His Majesty's consular and naval authorities have standing authority to take appropriate measures in these cases.

Mr. MOREING

Is my hon. Friend aware that the allegation is made that the troops which fired on this ship were wearing the uniform of the Nationalist Government, which is the official Government of China with which we are still in friendly relations, and could he direct inquiries to that point?

Mr. EDEN

I have said that I have received no report, but, if the matter is of exceptional importance, I am sure that His Majesty's Consul-General will report, as he always does on exceptional circumstances.

Mr. MOREING

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of instituting inquiries from this end rather than wait for a report?

Mr. EDEN

I will consider that, but it all costs money.