HC Deb 12 July 1939 vol 349 cc2213-5
2. Mr. Day

asked the Prime Minister whether he has had a report of the arrest on Sunday, 2nd July, of Mr. E. T. Griffiths, second mate of the British steamer "Yochow," in the Japanese concession at Tientsin; and whether he can state the reason given by the Japanese authorities for this arrest?

Mr. Butler

Mr. Griffiths was arrested in the ex-German Concession at Tientsin on 2nd July on a charge of insulting a Japanese sentry. Representations were made by His Majesty's Consul-General, and Mr. Griffiths was released on the morning of 7th July.

Mr. Day

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether Mr. Griffiths has been asked to hold himself in readiness for further examination?

Mr. Mander

If the British Government cannot protect British subjects in the Far East, had they not better make way for some Conservative Government that can protect them?

17. Mr. Noel-Baker

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government have yet received any reply from the Japanese Government to their demands for the release of the British military attach è, Colonel Spear?

Mr. Butler

No, Sir, but His Majesty's Ambassador is continuing his efforts to obtain Colonel Spear's release.

Mr. Arthur Henderson

Is it not quite contrary to the accepted views in regard to diplomatic immunity that this British military attaché should even be held under arrest by the Japanese?

Mr. Butler

That might be taken to be the case.

Mr. Wedgwood Benn

Is it true that Colonel Spear is to be submitted to court-martial?

Mr. Butler

We have seen a statement made by a Japanese spokesman, and His Majesty's Ambassador has been instructed immediately to find out whether this statement represents the official view of the Japanese Government.

Mr. Shinwell

Why cannot the British Government arrest one of the Japanese representatives in this country?

Sir Archibald Sinclair

Are we to understand that the British Government propose to enter into diplomatic negotiations, with a Government while the military attaché of His Majesty is being threatened with court-martial? Is not that in very striking contrast with the behaviour of His Majesty's Government when certain engineers in Moscow were arrested?

Mr. Butler

We must first find out whether the statements are, in fact, as reported.

Mr. Kirkwood

In the event of your finding out what the statements are —

Mr. Speaker rose —