HC Deb 03 April 1939 vol 345 cc2421-3
2. Mr. Hannah

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make any statement on the case of Mr. H. F. Dyott, who was kidnapped from his private house in the Japanese-controlled area of Tientsin on 17th March; whether Mr. Dyott is still in the hands of the kidnappers, and what action the Government propose to take to obtain his release?

The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Butler)

Mr. H. F. Dyott was abducted from his home in the ex-German Concession at Tientsin on 17th March. Since that date his whereabouts are not definitely known, but it is thought that he is in the bandit area to the south of Tientsin, and there are reasons for hoping that he is alive and well. Energetic steps are being taken to trace him, and to effect his release.

Mr. Hannah

Are the Government convinced that the Japanese are doing their very best to find Mr. Dyott?

Mr. Butler

I am not yet in a position to make a full statement since we have not the full facts of the case, but my noble Friend is inquiring into them.

3. Sir Charles Barrie

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement as to the re-opening of the port of Tsingtao to all foreign shipping?

5. Mr. Hely-Hutchinson

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that Tsingtao has been opened to British shipping; and whether, as this is an important step by the Japanese Government to implement their assurance to restore freedom of shipping as soon as the military situation permitted, he can say when this freedom is likely to be extended to other ports?

8. Captain Alan Graham

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received official confirmation of the Japanese statement that the wharves of Tsingtao would be open to foreign vessels as from 25th March; and whether, in fact, these wharves were re-opened from that date?

Mr. Butler

His Majesty's Ambassador at Tokyo was informed on 23rd March by the Japanese Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs that, subject to certain restrictions, the commercial harbour at Tsingtao would be re-opened on 25th March. For the present, the vessels of third Powers would be confined to only three berths and the use of warehouses on the wharves was temporarily not permitted. Similar information was communicated to His Majesty's Consul-General at Tsingtao by his Japanese colleagues. In fact, one oil tanker wharf and two berths on No. I wharf are now officially open, and are either being used or are expected to be available for British vessels within the next few days. His Majesty's Government welcome this action on the part of the Japanese Government as a first step towards the restoration of more normal conditions at ports under Japanese control.

14. Mr. Hannah

asked the Prime Minister what answer has been received from the Japanese Government to the representations of His Majesty's Government against the surrounding of the British and French concessions at Tientsin with barricades and live wire; and what action His Majesty's Government have taken to secure the protection, freedom of movement, and means of subsistence of British subjects in Tientsin and their employés?

Mr. Butler

The barrier restrictions at Tientsin were lifted on 8th February last, though the barriers themselves remain. No reports have reached my Noble Friend as to any interruption with food supplies. The situation generally, however, gives rise to some uneasiness, and His Majesty's Representatives will continue to press for the restoration of normal conditions.

Mr. Hannah

Is it not a matter of very great importance to our prestige?

Mr. Butler

Yes, Sir.

17. Mr. H. G. Williams

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the anti-British agitation which is being actively carried on by the Nanking Provisional Government, including the proposal that Chinese rivers should be permanently closed to British shipping; and whether any formal communication on the matter has been received by His Majesty's Government?

Mr. Butler

I have at present nothing to add to my answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Stourbridge (Mr. R. Morgan) on 30th March, but my Noble Friend is expecting a report.

Forward to