HC Deb 12 June 1967 vol 748 cc10-1W
79. Mrs. Knight

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what official representations he has made to the Chinese Government concerning the public humiliation offered recently to Her Majesty's representatives in Shanghai.

Mr. William Rodgers

On 19th May, after the house of Her Majesty's Representative in Shanghai had been sacked by a mob, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary summoned the Chinese Chargé d'Affaires and made a very strong protest about the atrocious way Mr. Hewitt had been treated. A protest was also made in Peking. A further protest was made on 24th May after Mr. Hewitt and Mr. Whitney were manhandled by a mob at Shanghai airport. We have expressly reserved our full rights to claim compensation for the damage done. No reply has yet been received from the Chinese. I would like to express my great admiration for the courage with which Mr. Hewitt, his family and Mr. Whitney have withstood the outrageous treatment to which they have been subjected.—[Vol. 747, c.105.]

82. Mr. Brian Parkyn

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it remains the policy of Her Majesty's Government to maintain a British Resident in Shanghai.

Mr. William Rodgers

As I explained on 5th June, we have already informed the Chinese Foreign Minister that we do not accept the Chinese Government's unilateral abrogation of the arrangement by which an officer from our Mission in Peking resided in Shanghai. The future of our office there is under consideration. —[Vol. 747, c.105.]