HC Deb 16 February 1948 vol 447 c820
26. Mr. Teeling

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any further statement to make about the recent incidents at Canton; and how far the Court of Inquiry has proceeded.

Mr. McNeil

His Majesty's Ambassador received a note from the Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs on 26th January to the effect that the Chinese Government were conducting an urgent investigation into the Canton incident. His Majesty's Embassy were informed on 12th February that the report of the inquiry was still awaited and that His Majesty's Embassy would be advised as soon as the results were available.

Mr. Teeling

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it would be advisable to have some form of public inquiry, at any rate, when the results have been learned?

Mr. McNeil

When the results are available, we will consider what further action is necessary, but I am quite sure we should await the results of the investigation which the Chinese Government have offered us, and which we know is going on fairly fast.

Mr. Gammans

Who was responsible for paying compensation for the losses incurred by British subjects?

Air-Commodore Harvey

Is the British Consulate in Canton still functioning?

Mr. McNeil

I cannot say without notice.