§ Sir G. Foxasked the Prime Minister what British Embassy staff is available at Chungking, the present seat of the Chinese Government; how long it takes to travel from the premises where that staff is housed to the government buildings; on how many occasions His Majesty's Ambassador to China has visited Chungking in the last six months; how long the Chinese Government has been established at Chungking; and by when he anticipates it will be possible to have a properly staffed British Embassy at that place?
§ Mr. ButlerThe Diplomatic Mission at Chungking is at present in charge of Mr. Prideaux Brune, acting Chinese Counsellor, who has under him a number of clerical assistants.
2630WThe headquarters of the Chinese Government have been established at Chungking since the latter part of October, 1938. His Majesty's Ambassador pays periodical visits to Chungking, and, within the last six months, has been there from the 19th April to 19th May.
Detailed information as to the distances involved is not available. Mr. Prideaux Brune, however, resides at the Consulate General, within easy reach of the Chinese Government offices.
It will be observed that the staff can be expanded at will.