§ 10. Mr. Noel-Bakerasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Ambassador to China has now returned the numbers of Chinese civilians killed by the Japanese aerial bombardment of Chungking?
§ Mr. ButlerYes, Sir. I regret to state that figures for the present year show that 2,005 persons were killed at Chungking up to 14th August, and 2,479 wounded. In addition, at least 500 more were killed in raids at Chungking at the end of August.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerHas the right hon. Gentleman the figures for earlier years?
§ Mr. ButlerThere has been a certain amount of difficulty, as the hon. Gentleman will appreciate, in obtaining these figures as accurately as we have been able to do, but I will certainly attempt to get the figures for earlier years. The hon. Gentleman will appreciate the difficulty of doing so.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the civilians killed were numbered by tens of thousands; and is it not desirable that, whatever other Governments may do, our British companies should not be allowed to furnish oil for this butchery in Chungking?
§ Mr. ButlerI do not think that the position can be simplified to that extent. The oil situation, as the hon. Gentleman knows, is very difficult, and it is an international matter. He should not make a statement which attributes to this country a desire of that nature.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerWith great respect, is it not possible for our Government to ensure that British companies shall sell oil to us and to other victims of aggression, but not for purposes such as the bombardment of Chungking?