§ Mr. RANKINasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that two Japanese destroyers have been sent to Chinese waters following the recent firing upon two Japanese 419W ships by Chinese Customs cutters at Tsingtao and Chikou, and also of the attacks made upon Mr. A. Campbell, the British commissioner of Chinese Customs at the former place; and what steps are being taken to ensure the protection of the Customs service in this connection?
§ Viscount CRANBORNEHis Majesty's Government have received no information to confirm the Press reports of attacks upon the Commissioner of Customs at Tsingtao, though I understand that a Japanese mob unsuccessfully attacked the local Customs house on the night of 26th June. I understand that a Japanese ship of war is at present cruising off Tangku, but I have no knowledge of the reasons for its presence.