1. Mr. William Teelinģasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the frequent announcements by S.C.A.P. that the spread of Christianity in Japan is essential to the better understanding by the Japanese of the new democratic ideals for that country, he will consider inviting leaders of the Christian Churches in the United Kingdom to visit Japan and meet Japanese leading Christians.
§ The Secretary of State for Foreiģn Affairs (Mr. Bevin)The initiative in such a matter lies, I am sure, with the Churches themselves. Several leading Churchmen from this country have already visited Japan. I am always ready to assist others to do the same.
§ Mr. Ronald ChamberlainIs my right hon. Friend aware that many of us would desire to see the leaders of the Christian 364 Churches visiting Japan, without necessarily subscribing to the statement in the first part of the Question?
§ Mr. BevinI must leave the Churches to run their own business. The Foreign Office is overburdened already.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesIs the Secretary of State aware that Japanese Christians regard our Bishops, who believe in atomic bombing, as primitive barbarians, and will he give facilities for their missionaries to conduct Christian activities over here?
§ Mr. TeelingI wanted only to make sure that transport was possible if they wanted to go.