§ 7. Mr. Teelingasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many Japanese have been allowed to leave Japan for the United Kingdom since the Allied Forces landed; what have been the purposes of their visits; and how many have applied for permission through the United Kingdom Mission to S.C.A.P.
Mr. McNeilSix Japanese have been allowed to leave Japan for the United Kingdom since the Allied Forces landed. They were all British-born women returning to live in this country. In all, 14 Japanese have applied, through the United Kingdom Liaison Mission, to the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers for permission to leave Japan for the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. TeelingCan the right hon. Gentleman say why the rest of the 14 have not been allowed to come back?
Mr. McNeilI obviously cannot do so without notice. Two cases with which I am familiar have been refused because the reasons for proceeding to the United Kingdom did not seem to be sufficient.
§ Mr. TeelingIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the B.B.C. are particularly anxious to get a number of special Japanese—people whom they want themselves—and they are not having very great success at the present moment?
Mr. McNeilI know about that. This question of Japanese leaving for commercial or cultural reasons is being discussed as a whole by the Far Eastern Commission.