HC Deb 25 March 1942 vol 378 c1966
3. Mr. Stokes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what extent the report on the outrages in Hong Kong was based on the evidence and reports of Miss Harrop, who escaped from Hong Kong?

Mr. Law

The statement made by my right hon. Friend on 10th March was based partly on information derived from Miss Harrop, of the office of the Colonial Secretary at Hong Kong, and partly on information obtained from other reliable sources.

Mr. Stokes

Are the Foreign Office satisfied that Miss Harrop is a responsible and reliable witness?

Mr. Law

Miss Harrop is an experienced member of the Colonial Civil Service, and we are perfectly satisfied that she is a responsible witness. Otherwise my right hon. Friend would never have dreamed of making a statement which has caused so much anxiety in this country.

Mr. Hannah

Is there any hope of an inquiry into the whole matter?

Mr. Law

We must wait for that.