§ 30. Mr. NUNNasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any report from the British Consul at Hankow on the increasing menace of Communist bands in the neighbourhood of Hankow; and what steps are being taken for the protection of the lives and property of British subjects?
§ Mr. EDENHis Majesty's Consul-General reported at the end of March that the Communist menace to Hankow was very serious, but my right hon. Friend has received no indication of any im- 821 mediate threat to British life and property. His Majesty's Naval and Consular authorities have standing instructions under which they are enabled to take necessary measures for the protection of British life and property should the need arise.
§ Mr. NUNNIs my hon. Friend aware that the increase of communism on the Yangtse, in Hunan, and certain other provinces is one of the most serious aspects in China to-day?