§ 7. Mr. T. Reidasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the Chinese Government has yet accepted responsibility for firing on a Royal Navy motor launch near Hong Kong and paid compensation in respect of those killed.
§ Mr. EdenNo, Sir. The Chinese Government have not yet accepted responsibility or paid compensation. A strong protest was delivered to the Chinese Government on 12th September. The Chinese Government replied on 29th September falsely alleging that the British naval launch was to blame for the incident. A further note was delivered on 16th October rejecting the Chinese allegations, reasserting Her Majesty's Government's protest and demanding a sum in compensation. No reply has yet been received to this further note.
§ Mr. ReidIs there any use whatever in appealing to any part of U.N.O. or the International Court, or is that a useless procedure in this case?
§ Mr. EdenI would rather, at this stage, deal directly with the Chinese Government about this and see how they treat 2411 this further Note of ours. I should like then to consider the other suggestions made by the hon. Gentleman.
§ Sir H. WilliamsCould my right hon. Friend say whether the Chinese Government have yet recognised us?
§ Mr. EdenWe are in discussion about that, but we should like to be recognised in a satisfactory manner.