HC Deb 07 February 1955 vol 536 cc1542-3
22. Mr. D. Healey

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has yet received a reply from the Chinese Nationalist Government to his protest concerning the sinking of the British ship, s.s. "Edendale."

28 and 29. Sir L. Plummer

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) what steps he proposes to take to obtain adequate compensation for the loss of the s.s. "Edendale" at Swatow; and

(2) what information he has about the type, make, and country of origin of the aircraft which attacked and sank the s.s. "Edendale."

Sir Anthony Eden

As stated by my hon. Friend the Joint Under-Secretary on 26th January, Her Majesty's Consul delivered a note of protest on the 22nd January to the Provincial Authorities in Formosa. Her Majesty's Consul addressed a further letter to the Provincial authorities on the 29th January, giving further details and pointing out that the ship was prominently marked with the British Flag and the attacking aircraft could not, therefore, have failed to identify the ship as British. In an interview with the Provincial Governor about the incident, Her Majesty's Consul was informed that his protest had been passed to the Central authorities in Formosa.

When the owners of the "Edendale" have provided full details of their claim for compensation, appropriate action will be taken by Her Majesty's Government to lodge a claim with the Nationalist Provincial authorities. I have received no reports about the type or make of the aircraft which attacked the "Edendale." The aircraft were plainly identified as belonging to the Chinese Nationalists and the full responsibility for the incident must rest with them.

Mr. Healey

In view of the very unsatisfactory nature of that reply, can the Foreign Secretary assure the House that he has sought an assurance from the American Government that aircraft which the United States has supplied to the Nationalist forces in Formosa will not be used for attacks on the Chinese mainland, which will involve similar risks to British ships?

Sir A. Eden

I do not see why the hon. Gentleman should say that my reply is unsatisfactory. I made representations at once, on all the information which I had available, to the Formosa authorities. When I get the "Edendale" claim, I will certainly lodge that claim as soon as possible with the authorities and ask that it should be met. On the wider matter, certainly representations on the general aspect of bombing in that area have been made, and no doubt will be made when required.

Sir L. Plummer

Will the Foreign Secretary consult his right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport to see what representations can be made to British shipowners that crews sailing in British ships in these waters should now be paid danger money?

Sir A. Eden

I will speak to my right hon. Friend about that.

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