§ 1. Sir John Wardlaw-Milneasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether he can give any information as to the position of British civilians in Shanghai?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Richard Law)While little information regarding individual British subjects is available, reports received through official and unofficial channels indicate that British subjects in Shanghai have not generally been molested. British subjects have been required to register themselves and their property, and the Swiss authorities state that a small number of persons have been arrested by the Japanese. Broadcasting stations, banks, newspapers, clubs and missionary property have been taken over, and public utilities are functioning on a restricted basis. Withdrawals from British bank deposits have been restricted to 2,000 local dollars monthly per person. The Swiss Government have been asked to arrange for a fund to be set up for the relief of necessitous British subjects under the control of their representative and the British Residents Association.
§ Sir J. Wardlaw-MilneAm I right in assuming that the information to which the Minister refers came from the Swiss Government? Are they acting for us in the matter, or is it the Argentine Government?
§ Sir J. Wardlaw-MilneAre the reports, coming through fairly freely?