§ 5. Captain PETER MACDONALDasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the latest information available to him with regard to the three British officers who were recently kidnapped from the steamer "Nanchang," off the Manchukuo coast?
§ Mr. EDENI am informed that the Japanese and Manchukuo authorities are now taking new steps against bandits generally in the district where the "Nanchang" officers are held. According to reports not yet confirmed two of the officers managed to escape on the 7th July. Efforts are being made to locate them and to rescue the other captive also. The British consular representatives have impressed on the authorities concerned the danger to the officers of direct military action against their captors.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODCan the hon. Gentleman say whether the engineer Blue, from Port Glasgow, is one of those who have escaped?
§ Mr. EDENI am afraid I do not carry the names in my head. Perhaps the hon. Member will put down a question.