asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any communication from the Chinese National Government as to the capture of the persons guilty of the murder of the two missionaries, Misses Nettleton and Harrison; and what further steps are being taken to protect British subjects in China?

Since my reply to the hon. Members for East Lewisham (Sir A. Pownall) and Kidderminster (Mr. Wardlaw-Milne) on the 3rd of November, His Majesty's Minister in China has received a further Note from the Minister for Foreign Affairs expressing on behalf of the Chinese Government their profound grief, and stating that they had telegraphed instructions to the Provincial Government to apprehend and bring to justice the guilty parties. Chinese troops have been despatched for this purpose to the -district concerned. His Majesty's Minister recently issued instructions to all consular officers in disturbed dis- tricts in China to give warning in ample time to any British subjects who might be endangered by the activities of brigands and bandits.

Is it true that since this unfortunate occurrence missionaries belonging to other countries have been captured?

I cannot say whether there is any definite information to that effect.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on any recent changes in the conditions in China?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply returned to the hon. Member for Moseley (Mr. Hannon) on the 10th of November. The Governor of Manchuria arrived in Nan king on the 12th of November for a personal exchange of views with the heads of the National Government. I have no information of any other development in the situation.

Is it not the case that civil war is gradually coming to an end?

I have already reported that conditions continue to improve.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received a complaint that the Chinese Government has refused to recognise the yellow bonds of the Chinese Five Per Cent. Loan of 1913, purchased in the open market in London in good faith by British investors; and whether he will make a protest and request the Chinese authorities to honour their obligations?

A complaint of this nature has been received. Representations were made to the Chinese Government who have recently returned an unfavourable reply. I am in communication with the interested British parties, and am considering what further action can usefully be taken.

As a committee has been formed will the right hon. Gentle- man allow representatives of the parties interested to call and see him or the Under-Secretary on this matter?

I will arrange for them to see the proper representative at my office, along with the Under-Secretary of State. I have to devote a lot of time to other conferences.