§ 5. Mr. Teelingasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why Mr. Compton Pakenham, a British subject, and chief of "Newsweek's" Tokyo Bureau, has been refused permission to 1578 return to Japan on behalf of that newspaper; why the "Daily Herald" correspondent has been warned that if he visits Singapore he may not be allowed to return; how many other British-born journalists have recently received revised instructions from the United States Public Information Office; what have these instructions been; and what action has been taken by His Majesty's Government.
Mr. McNeilAs Mr. Pakenham is an employee of an American newspaper, and as it was in that capacity that his re-entry into Japan was refused, His Majesty's Government have not taken the matter up with the authorities concerned and, therefore, have no official information on the subject. The "Daily Herald" correspondent was informed before leaving Japan for Singapore that the then existing regulation whereby correspondents accredited to Far East Command could leave the theatre for a period of 90 days without re-accreditation was under revision, and that consequently when he wished to return he should apply for such re-accreditation. This he did from Singapore on 21st January, and was informed by telegram on 3rd February that clearance had been given. All British-born journalists concerned have been informed of the revised regulations. These regulations provide that correspondents accredited to Far East Command, may, without seeking re-accreditation, leave the theatre (which includes Korea, the Philippines, Okinawa and Guam) on duty for 30 days every six months and for 15 days to China for recreation as often as they like. No action beyond the application for the "Daily Herald" correspondent's clearance, has been taken by His Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. TeelingDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that 30 days is an impossibly short period for journalists who are trying to find out things in the Far East? Japan is a very good centre from which to work, and in view of the very rosy attitude of the S.C.A.P. organisation, in connection with conditions there, is it not advisable that journalists should be allowed to meet any type of Japanese so that they can find out what is really going on behind the scenes?
Mr. McNeilSince the hon. Gentleman called attention to this regulation—and 1579 I am grateful to him for doing so—I asked for reasons as to why it was necessary. I would point out that all correspondents are familiar with the regulation.
§ Mr. TeelingAs General MacArthur has written a full statement to Congress about the case of Mr. Pakenham could we have a copy of it placed in the Library?