§ Sir R. ASKEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the latest information in the possession of the Government as to Mr. F. L. Pears, of Stephendale Terrace, Newcastle, who was recently seized by Chinese pirates on the B.S. "Nanchang"; and whether the Government are taking any measures to secure his release?
§ Mr. EDENAccording to the latest report received from His Majesty's Vice-Consul at Newchwang, Mr. F. L. Pears arrived in Newchwang on the morning of 3rd April with a letter from the chief of the brigands who attacked the s.s. "Nanchang" demanding as ransom a considerable sum of money and a large quantity of arms and ammunition. The captives have not, it is stated, been bound or ill-treated, and have been kept in a junk in the Panshan area since their capture. The local authorities, who have been prosecuting the search with all the means in their power, have been informed of Mr. Pears' release and requested to take no independent action without first consulting His Majesty's Vice-Consul at Newchwang, who is in constant touch with all developments and will take all possible measures to secure the release of the captives.