§ 9. Mr. KIRKPATRICKasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to the number of British subjects resident in Buenos Ayres?
§ Sir J. SIMONI regret that no definite statistics are available. Between 1922 and 1932, however, some 7,000 British subjects registered at His Majesty's Consulate-General at Buenos Ayres.
§ Mr. KIRKPATRICKDoes that figure represent also the very large British-domiciled community in Buenos Ayres?
§ Sir J. SIMONI think I am right in saying that the 7,000 are 7,000 British subjects, and there would be, in addition to that, some 200 more British-protected persons who are resident there.
§ 10. Mr. KIRKPATRICKasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to the number of British subjects resident in South America?
§ Sir J. SIMONMy most recent information is based on an estimate furnished three years ago by His Majesty's representatives in the countries concerned. According to this estimate the number of British subjects then resident in South America, including Panama, was approximately 116,000, of whom some 47,000 were British West Indian subjects, and 1,150 British Indian subjects.
§ Mr. KIRKPATRICKWill the right hon. Gentleman see that steps are taken by the Foreign Office to ensure that an accurate news service, whether by wireless or cable, or by other methods, is supplied to this very important and intensely loyal British community in South America?
§ Sir J. SIMONI most warmly share the feeling of my hon. Friend that we are dealing with a very important community of British subjects living abroad and attached to this country. It is a matter in which we take a great interest. I should not be able off hand to answer the question about a news service, but I can assure my hon. Friend that his view of the importance of this matter is one that I entirely share.