§ Lieut.-Commander Fletcherasked the Prime Minister what is the position at Swatow, and especially as to how far events there are likely to prejudice the interests of British shipping and of British trade with Hong Kong?
§ Mr. ButlerThe Japanese forces completed their occupation of Swatow on 22nd June. So far as can be ascertained, all the British subjects there are safe.
As regards British shipping, the situation is still obscure, but the British naval authorities are doing their utmost despite local difficulties to secure the unrestricted movements of British ships.
It is still too early to form an opinion about the possible impact of these operations on British trade with Hong Kong, but the position is being closely watched.