§ 63. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what extent British and other subjects engaged in social and medical service and in missionary activity in China have had to discontinue or abandon their work owing to official action by the Chinese Government.
§ Mr. Ernest DaviesI cannot give my hon. Friend exact figures, but a number of British and other missionaries have left China because of the difficulties which they experienced in carrying on their work. Others are carrying on. The attitude of the local authorities varies in different parts of the country and I am unable to state the extent to which this may be influenced by the Central People's Government.
§ Mr. SorensenAm I to take it that these officials and others who have left China have done so voluntarily, and not under pressure from Government authorities?
§ Mr. DaviesYes, Sir. I am not aware of any cases where there has been pressure on the part of the Chinese authorities to force the expulsion of missionaries.