HC Deb 23 November 1970 vol 807 cc21-2W
85. Sir G. de Freitas

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British subjects are known to be in Chinese custody either in prison or under house arrest; and how many of these have not been brought to trial.

Mr. Anthony Royle

One. Mr. David Johnston, former manager of the Shanghai branch of the Chartered Bank, was arrested in Shanghai on 25th August, 1968. In addition four British subjects are believed to be detained in China. The names of all five are given below.

As far as we know none has been brought to trial.

BRITISH SUBJECTS DETAINED OR BELIEVED TO BE DETAINED BY THE CHINESE

(23rd November, 1970)

Mr. D. C. Johnston, former manager of the Shanghai branch of the Chartered Bank, arrested on a spying charge on 25th August, 1968.

Mrs. Gladys Yang, a British wife of a Chinese national who worked as a literary translator and is thought to have been detained in July, 1968.

Mrs. Epstein, Mr. Michael Shapiro, Mr. David Cook, were employed by the Chinese authorities and are thought to have been detained towards the end of 1967.