§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of the United States of America to protest at the bombing of the 2,911-ton British freighter "Kingford" in the area of Haiphong by United States bombers; what results there have been; what compensation has been claimed and agreed upon; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. George BrownI am aware of reports from Communist sources that the s.s. "Kingford", which flies the British flag, is registered and owned in Hong Kong, and is currently being operated on charter to Chinese interests, was damaged284W during a bombing raid on Haiphong on 29th June.
The United States Government, whose attention was drawn to these reports, have informed Her Majesty's Government that although American pilots are under strict instructions to avoid foreign shipping, certain of the ordnance directed at an anti-aircraft site which was being attacked on 29th June could have struck ships located nearby. They have also said that if they knew more about the damage, and also the precise position of the ship when it was reportedly hit, they might be able to provide additional information.
Her Majesty's Consul-General in Hanoi has asked the North Vietnamese authorities for the facts and has sought permission to visit the vessel. He has not yet received a reply.