§ 1. Mr. Fitzroy Macleanasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what reply has been received from the Chinese Government to the protests addressed to them by His Majesty's Government concerning the treatment of His Majesty's Consuls at Tihwa and Nanking.
§ The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Herbert Morrison)No reply has been received to the protest about the treatment of His Majesty's Consul at Nanking. As regards the treatment of His Majesty's Consul-General at Tihwa, no communication has been received from the Chinese Government other than that mentioned in the reply given to the hon. Member on 12th March.
§ Mr. MacleanDoes the right hon. Gentleman consider that at this time when British Consular officers are being physically ill treated and publicly humiliated by the Chinese Government, this is the moment to plead with that Government to be allowed to establish full diplomatic relations?
§ Mr. MorrisonI did not know that we were in the position of pleading. It is well known that we are willing to establish full diplomatic relations, but there have been difficulties at the other end. I should like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the British Consular Service in China, which has been working very bravely in most difficult conditions. I am sure the House will join with me in this expression.