§ Mr. ATTLEE (by Private Notice)asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information to give the House with reference to the recent events in Japan?
§ Mr. EDENHis Majesty's Ambassador in Tokyo reports that attacks were made early this morning on leading Japanese statesmen and officials at their private houses, apparently by groups of young officers. I deeply regret to have to inform the House that, according to these reports, the Prime Minister, Admiral Okada, the Minister of Finance, Mr. Takahashi, and Admiral Saito, Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal, were killed. General Watanabe, Director-General of Military Education, was wounded. It is reported that several other statesmen were attacked, but I have no information that they were injured. The Bank of Japan has suspended business, troops line the streets, and all public buildings and official residences are guarded. The latest telegram from His Majesty's Ambassador reports, however, that all is quiet in the city.
§ Mr. THORNECan the right hon. Gentleman state to which school of thought these men belong?
§ Mr. McENTEEHas the right hon. Gentleman any information as to whether any arrests have been made as a consequence of these events?
§ Mr. EDENI am afraid that I have no information beyond what I have given to the House, except that, so far as I am aware, no British interests are in any danger.
§ Mr. BELLENGERHave any extraordinary measures been taken for the protection of British subjects?