§ 8. Mr. NUNNasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress has been made towards securing the release of the British mercantile marine officers of the s.s. "Nanchang," who were captured by pirates in Chinese waters some 13 weeks ago?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir John Simon)I have caused fresh representations to be made both to the Japanese Government and to the Japanese Ambassador here as to the urgent necessity of securing the early release of the captives. I regret that the steps taken by the local authorities, on whom the responsibility lies, have not yet met with success. In a letter dated the 22nd June the captives stated that they were all well. I understand that the local authorities are now pursuing fresh plans to secure their release.