HC Deb 27 March 1939 vol 345 cc1691-2
9. Mr. Price

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any information as to the extent of the devastation and massacre of the civil population caused by Japanese air raids in the towns and villages of Hupeh, Hunan, Kwangsi, and Kwantung?

Mr. Butler

The only comprehensive statement which has been brought to the notice of my Noble Friend is the communication to the Secretary-General of the League of Nations from the Chinese Delegation, dated 1st March, 1939, circulated to the Council and Members of the League on 3rd March. My Noble Friend has no means of checking the figures given in this communication.

2. Mr. Day (for Mr. David Adams)

asked the Prime Minister whether the British Government has made any representations to the Japanese Government with regard to the killing of the Rev. A. G. Leigh, British Methodist Society missionary, at Pingkiang, North-East Hunan on 15th March; whether he can state how many British subjects were killed on this occasion; and whether he is aware that the roofs of all the buildings destroyed were painted with Union Jacks easily visible to the raiders, who flew at a low altitude?

Mr. Butler

On 15th March the town of Pingkiang was bombed by Japanese aircraft. Ten bombs fell on the Methodist Mission, killing, I regret to report, eight persons, of whom one, the Rev. A. G. Leigh, was a British subject. No other British casualties have been reported. The property was clearly marked by large British flags and by white letters on the ground. His Majesty's Ambassador at Tokyo has been instructed to protest to the Japanese Government.

Mr. Day

Has any claim been made against the Japanese Government for the damage done to this British subject?

Mr. Butler

Protests have been made, and I have no doubt that a claim will be preferred.