§ 9 and 10. Mr. MOREINGasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether he can give any information as to the numerous arrests by Manchukuo police and Japanese gendarmerie of Chinese subjects employed by British firms and British missionary societies in the autumn of 1935; what reasons were given for these arrests; and whether he has taken any steps in the interests of the British employers of the persons arrested;
(2) whether the policy pursued by the Manchukuo and Japanese authorities of arresting Chinese subjects employed by British firms in Manchuria is still being continued?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIn October and November last a number of Chinese connected with British interests in South Manchuria were arrested on suspicion, it was stated, of Communist tendencies. No British subjects were arrested, but in view of the fact that in effecting certain arrests British extraterritorial rights were infringed, and of the general inconvenience caused to British charitable and commercial institutions in South Manchuria, representations on the subject were made to the Japanese Government and to the Manchurian authorities. All but five of the prisoners were subsequently released. Between 14th April and 17th April further arrests were made, on grounds similar to those given last autumn. Six of the newly arrested persons are connected with British firms or institutions. His Majesty's Ambassador in Tokyo has been instructed to make further representations to the Japanese Government.
§ Mr. LENNOX-BOYDShould we not be in a position to make better repre- 364 sentations if we recognised the Government of Manchukuo?