HC Deb 18 July 1949 vol 467 cc965-6
50. Mr. Gammans

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the conditions under which Mr. R. Matheson, an employee of the Shanghai Tramways Corporation, was imprisoned by the Chinese Communists; if he was allowed to be interviewed by the British Consul-General; and with what crime he was charged.

Mr. McNeil

Mr. Matheson was arrested on 23rd June for an alleged assault on a Chinese employee of the Tramways Corporation. He was held in police custody until 5th July; he was then transferred to gaol, but was released, apparently unconditionally, on 8th July. He was not physically ill-treated. His Majesty's Consul at Shanghai was not permitted to visit Mr. Matheson.

Mr. Gammans

Was any protest made by His Majesty's Government at this treatment and, in particular, at the fact that the British Consul-General was not allowed to see him?

Mr. McNeil

We kept in very close touch upon the subject. I think the hon. Gentleman will agree that, since Mr. Matheson is still on the site, as it were, I should probably not advance the subject of his welfare in too detailed a manner.