asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the arrest of Mr. Wheeler, a British subject, in Yokohama, by the Japanese authorities; whether any charge has been pre ferred against him; whether he is allowed to communicate with the British Consul; when his arrest took place; and when it is expected that he will be brought to trial?

Mr. Wheeler was arrested on 11th January, on a charge of fraud under Article 246 of the Japanese criminal code. He is in free communication with His Majesty's Consul-General at Yokohama. I am as yet unable to say when the trial will take place, but the Consul-General has been assured that the utmost expedition is being used in examining the evidence.