§ Mr. Irvineasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the many difficulties experienced, he will make a statement on the future of British Consulates in China.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonYes. His Majesty's Government have decided to make arrangements for the closure probably by May of this year of the following consular posts in China: Chungking, Kunming, Hankow, Nanking, Tsingtao, and Amoy. 279W This decision was taken in view of the reduced number of British subjects and interests in the consular districts concerned. In addition there have been serious administration difficulties in maintaining and staffing these posts. The protection of our interests in the districts concerned will be transferred to other posts. There is no intention of closing consular posts in districts where there are substantial British interests.