HC Deb 26 November 1946 vol 430 c1402
35. Mr. William Shepherd

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has further news of the British soldiers missing after an ambush on the 10th June near Saigon; and what efforts have been made, and are being made, to get in touch with those who are believed to have been carried off by the bandits.

Mr. Bellenger

My information is that on 10th June, a French convoy of three vehicles was ambushed on the road between Saigon and Cap St. Jaques. One 15 cwt. truck travelling in the opposite direction in which were 11 British Servicemen, and one civilian interpreter, became involved in the ambush. The truck left the road and became bogged. The bandits, believed to be Japanese, heavily engaged the truck with small arms fire. Fire was returned until ammunition was exhausted, after which the bandits attacked the truck. It was during this attack that the following casualties were incurred: Army, four killed, four wounded and one missing; Air Force, one killed and one wounded, and one civilian killed. I am awaiting a further report and will write to the hon. Member.

Mr. Shepherd

Can the Minister say what has been done to try to trace the missing man? Does he not realise that the present position gives rise to much anxiety on the part of the parents?

Mr. Bellenger

Yes, Sir, I appreciate the latter part of the hon. Gentleman's question. I sympathise with the relatives and I am doing all I can to obtain further information.

Mr. Driberg

Have diplomatic representations been made to the newly-established Viet-Namese Republic? If not, will my right hon. Friend consult the Foreign Office, with a view to that being done?

Mr. Bellenger

I could not say, without notice.