§ Sir J. Wardlaw-Milneasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action he has taken with regard to the attempted assassination of the chairman of the Shanghai Municipal Council; whether the assassin was connected with the Japanese Ratepayers' Association; and whether he will inform the Japanese Government that, in view of this violent out-break, the Japanese claim for larger representation on the Shanghai Municipal Council will not receive the support of His Majesty's Government?
§ Sir R. Gowerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any report on the shootings at Shanghai in connection with the International Settlement Council; and whether he has made any representations on the subject, and, if so, with what result, to the Japanese Government?
§ Mr. ButlerAt a special meeting of ratepayers in the International Settlement at Shanghai on 23rd January, Mr. W. J. Keswick, chairman of the council, was shot at and wounded by Mr. Hayashi, chairman of the Japanese Ratepayers' Association. The shooting was accompanied by scenes of disorder on the part of the Japanese ratepayers. His Majesty's Ambassador has made strong714W representations about the disorderly conduct of the Japanese ratepayers and has pressed for early and suitable punishment for Mr. Hayashi. The Japanese Government have informed Sir R. Craigie that Mr. Hayashi is being brought back to Japan for trial and that everything will be done to prevent a recurrence of the incident, which is greatly regretted. Meanwhile, I have nothing further to add in reply to the hon. Member for Kidderminster (Sir J. Wardlaw-Milne). I am glad to say that Mr. Keswick's wounds are not serious and that he is expected to leave hospital soon.