§ Mr. Manderasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what explanation has been given by the Japanese Government concerning the bombing on more than one occasion and destruction of the British Embassy in Chungking; what reparation has been promised; and what guarantees have been given against similar outrages in future?
§ Mr. ButlerHis Majesty's Embassy at Chungking was bombed on 2nd, 7th and 29th June. During the last of these attacks a number of British and Chinese members of the Embassy staff suffered injuries. In response to representations made by His Majesty's Ambassador at482W Tokyo, an expression of regret was tendered on 1st July by the Japanese Minister of Marine through his senior adjutant and assurances were given that the attack was unintentional. However, another serious attack took place on 8th July when the destruction of the Embassy buildings was completed, although the staff escaped further injury. In view of the repeated nature of the attacks, His Majesty's Government instructed His Majesty's Ambassador at Tokyo to make a formal protest and to point out that, even if the first attacks were accidental, no care could have been taken to prevent a recurrence. Sir R. Craigie accordingly presented a vigorous note of protest to the Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs on 10th July and supported it by further oral representations. The Vice-Minister expressed his great regret at learning of this latest attack and promised a further examination of the circumstances of the fresh attack.