HC Deb 23 February 1953 vol 511 cc1703-4
9. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will now give details of the compensation arrangements and the accompanying apologies from the Chinese Nationalist authorities in Formosa as a result of their interference with British shipping.

Mr. Eden

I presume the right hon. and learned Gentleman is referring to the attack on the "Rosita." As I said on 16th February, the Nationalist authorities have accepted responsibility and Her Majesty's Consul at Tamsui has been instructed to claim compensation. He gave oral notification of the claim on 27th January and is awaiting certain supporting documents from the ship's owners in Hong Kong before submitting it formally. The tone of the Chinese Nationalists' reply was conciliatory and I am informed that those responsible are being tried by court-martial.

Mr. Henderson

In view of the fact that this incident took place more than two months ago. could the right hon. Gentleman agree that the Chinese Nationalist authorities have been most dilatory in their handling of this case? Would he not also agree that it is their deliberate policy to attempt to disrupt all legitimate shipping with Chinese Communist ports and that so long as this policy remains their policy these incidents are likely to recur?

Mr. Eden

I really do not think the right hon. and learned Member is being quite fair in this matter. I believe he was ill and put off his Question himself. We did receive this reply from the Chinese Nationalist authorities some time ago. We are now engaged in preparing the details of our claim which we will submit to them. I am bound to say that I wish in all cases where we have claims we could have such a response and know that those responsible were tried by courtmartial.

Mr. Henderson

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the second part of my supplementary question? Are these incidents not likely to recur so long as the Chinese Nationalist authorities disrupt all legitimate shipping with Chinese Communist ports?

Mr. Eden

The House ought to bear in mind that we have only two claims— this claim and one other, which was also admitted, but has not been settled, although payment has been promised.

Mr. Henderson

Forty cases.

Mr. Eden

Only two claims.

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