HC Deb 13 May 1935 vol 301 cc1360-1
15. Mr. MOREING

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to the arrest by the Chinese authorities in North-West Kansu of the Hon. Desmond Parsons; what offence he is alleged to have committed; and whether he has yet been handed over to the British consular officials?

16. Mr. HALL-CAINE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether arrangements have yet been made for the release of Mr. Desmond Parsons, who was recently arrested in the province of Kansu, China?

Mr. EDEN

Mr. Parsons was arrested a few days ago by the local authorities at Tunhuang in the Kansu Province on a charge of stealing antiquities from the local caves. His Majesty's Legation have made representations to the Chinese Government urging that Mr. Parsons be allowed to return to Peking and that he should be afforded every facility for the journey. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs have undertaken to instruct the provincial authorities at once to send Mr. Parsons to Peking and to provide for his proper protection on the way.