34. Mr. R. C. Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the present difficulties of the United Kingdom Chargé d'Affaires in Peking and his staff.
§ Mr. George BrownSince 22nd August when our Mission in Peking was sacked by a mob, the staff have operated from temporary premises. Their movement is restricted to a block of residential flats, the remains of the Mission, the Chargé d'Affaires' house and a short section of road between these two places. To travel outside these limits they have to apply for permission in writing which is not always granted. No exit visas to leave China have been given to members of the Mission since 22nd August except for five schoolchildren, who were in Peking on holiday, and two wives accompanied by a small child.