§ 13. Mr. MABANEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that it was in June, 1932, that the Reverend H. S. Ferguson was kidnapped by Chinese bandits near the Tibetan border; if he has yet been released; and, if not, what action is being taken to secure his release?
§ Sir J. SIMONMr. Ferguson was captured on or about the 12th May, 1932, by a communist band at Chengyangkuan, in North Anhui. I regret that Mr. Ferguson's release has not yet been effected, despite the fact that the case has been constantly kept before the Chinese authorities. A report has been received that Mr. Ferguson was killed in the middle of September, 1932, but it has been impossible to obtain any confirmation of this.
§ Mr. MABANECan the right hon. Gentleman say which Chinese authorities?