§ Squadron Leader Kinghornasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement in regard to the requisitioning at Hong Kong of the Chinese tanker "Yung Hao."
§ Mr. J. GriffithsThe Governor of Hong Kong has requisitioned the tanker in the public interest, after full consultation with His Majesty's Government, under powers given by Hong Kong regulations. Had this vessel been released it might well have been of assistance to the Chinese and North Korean troops by carrying oil in furtherance of the Korean campaign in which they are fighting the United Nations, including British Forces. In view of the security risks to our own and other United Nations Forces it was important, therefore, not to allow the vessel to proceed to China. The Governor of Hong Kong had power simply to detain the vessel or alternatively to requisition it. In view of our own requirements he decided to requisition.