§ 50. Mr. Gammansasked 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. McNeilMr. 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. GammansWas 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. McNeilWe 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.