§ 35. Mr. T. Reidasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what British property in China has been confiscated by the Communist authorities.
§ Mr. EdenThe present Chinese Government requisitioned certain property, equipment and buildings, belonging to two British firms, at Hankow, Chungking, and other ports in late 1950 and early 1951. In April, 1951, they requisitioned all the property of the Shell Company in China, with the exception of some office accommodation. In August, 1952, they requisitioned two British dockyards at Shanghai. Among other property taken over by the Chinese authorities is land belonging to the Shanghai and Tient-sin Race Course Companies and some privately-owned houses and building land.
Her Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires has formally reserved all British rights and asked that compensation or rental shall be paid, except where the owners of the property did not wish this action to be taken.
No compensation has yet been paid, nor has any reply been sent to Her Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires' notes.
§ Mr. ReidWhat approximately is the value of all this property, which seems to be confiscated as no rent or compensation of any kind has been paid?
§ Mr. EdenI am afraid I do not know off-hand. If the hon. Gentleman will not mind putting a Question down I will give him a figure. I should not like to make a guess