HC Deb 05 April 1933 vol 276 cc1745-6
2. Mr. RANKIN

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the kidnapping by Chinese pirates of four British mercantile officers from a vessel lying at anchor in Newchang roads; and whether he will notify the Chinese Government that unless adequate protection can Le given to British subjects in these circumstances such protection will be afforded by British warships?

Mr. EDEN

Yes, Sir. I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on the 3rd April to my hon. Friend the Member for Whitehaven (Mr. Nunn). As regards the second part of the question, I would remind my hon. Friend that the Chinese Government are not in control of the locality in question. The British China Squadron already does all that it can to safeguard shipping in China waters, but its activities are limited by the number of ships available.

6. Sir BASIL PETO

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the recent act of piracy in the Newchang roads which resulted in four officers being carried off from the steamship "Nanchang"; and whether he intends to afford armed protection for British vessels trading on the Chinese coast?

Sir B. EYRES MONSELL

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Protection for British vessels trading on the China coast is provided by His Majesty's ships on the China Station, but it is impossible with the number of ships available to forestall every attempt at piracy. Arrangements exist for British vessels to be provided with armed guards on repayment at the request of the owners.

Sir B. PETO

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider giving armed guards to business vessels on the China coast without payment? Does he not think it would be much cheaper to do that than constantly to have to pay ransoms for British subjects?

Sir B. EYRES MONSELL

It is impossible for us to give armed guards without payment. There is a very reasonable provision for armed guards on payment, and, as my hon. Friend is probably aware, the Court of Appeal in a recent case decided against the view held by the hon. Member.

Mr. HANNON

Does the right hon. Gentleman contemplate any increase of our strength on the China station in view of the difficulties which have arisen recently?

Sir B. EYRES MONSELL

I am afraid not at the moment.

Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMS

Would not a cheaper method be to increase the personnel of the British Navy generally?