HC Deb 02 March 1955 vol 537 cc2036-7
20. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the nature of the duties of our consul in Formosa; and how far he reports on conditions and events in the island.

Mr. Turton

There has been no change in the duties of Her Majesty's Consul in Formosa since the reply given to the hon. Member on this subject on 12th November, 1952. Like other consular officers, he reports from time to time on relevant political and economic developments in his consular district.

Mr. Hughes

Would it be possible for this gentleman to wait on Mr. Chiang Kai-shek and inform him that there is considerable anxiety in this country and in America about his future safety and that this country would offer him hospitality in some island in the Atlantic where he would be safer than he is at the present time?

Mr. Turton

As was explained a few weeks ago, our consular representative does not hold an exequatur and is not accredited. He is merely there to look after our interests and he is only en rapport with the provincial authorities. That is the limit of his position in Formosa at the present time.