§ 54. Mr. A. Royleasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he is taking to safeguard British Consular staff in Macao; what protest he has made to the Portuguese Government regarding their failure to protect the British Consul from hooliganism; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. George BrownThe Consul and his staff were withdrawn temporarily to Hong Kong on 25th May to ensure their personal safety. We had previously reminded the Portuguese Government on several occasions of their obligation to protect the Consulate and its staff. Since the Consul's withdrawal, we have again asked the Portuguese to safeguard the consulate premises. They assured us on 25th May that the necessary instructions were being sent to the Governor of Macao. I am sure all Members of the House will wish to join with me in paying tribute to the fortitude with which Mr. Ions and his colleagues have faced the harassment to which they were subjected in Macao.