§ 8. Mr. NUNNasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information regarding the outbreak of a new Chinese rebellion in Fukien; who are at the head of the movement; and what steps are being taken to protect British interests?
§ Sir J. SIMONA coup d'état unattended by loss of life took place at Fuchow on 18th November. Martial law was proclaimed by General Tsai Tink-kai, by whose orders the Central Bank was taken over on the 18th November and the District Inspectorate of Salt revenue on the 20th November. The 19th Route Army took over the Min River forts on the 19th November without opposition. The naval establishment of Mamoi was taken over peaceably and all Chinese gunboats have left Fuchow. At Amoy, where everything is also reported to be quiet, the forts by the mouth of the harbour were occupied on the 21st November by marines who arrived from Fuchow in two gunboats. The new Government is styled the "Peoples' Revolutionary Government" and the country is entitled the "Chinese Peoples' Republic." Members of the new Government took the oath on the 22nd November. The highest authority is a committee of 11, of whom six are members of the 19th Route Army with Li Chai-sum as President. His Majesty's Minister in China, the Commander-inChief of the China squadron, His Majesty's Consular Officers at Fuchow and Amoy are in touch with the situation and will take such steps as may appear necessary to safeguard British interests, in the event of their being endangered.
§ Mr. NUNNIs there any intention on the part of the people in Fukien to join up with the Communists?
§ Sir J. SIMONI should need to have notice before I could answer that question, even if I could answer it then.