§ 7. Mr. Owenasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why the Chinese Nationalist aircraft which force-landed in Hong Kong was released; what explanation has been made to the protest of the Chinese Government; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydIt is normal international practice that if a military aircraft infringes the air space of another country and lands there, in the absence of hostile intentions towards the country concerned or of recognition of a state of belligerency, the aircraft and crew should be allowed to depart. The Chinese Government have been informed that there were therefore no grounds for the detention of the aircraft in question and its crew.