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Bible Society's Property, Seoul

Volume 487: debated on Wednesday 9 May 1951

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36.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what extent the property of the British and Foreign Bible Society in Seoul has been destroyed; and whether steps will be taken to ensure that compensation is paid for the Bibles destroyed.

According to information supplied to His Majesty's Charge d'Affaires in Korea by the local Korean representative of the British and Foreign Bible Society, the only building in Seoul, which he knows to have belonged to the Society, was totally destroyed between June and October, 1950. As regards compensation for Bibles destroyed, it is doubtful whether it will be possible to obtain any such reparation, but, in any event, this is a matter that will be within the competence of the United Nations when the fighting has ceased.

Has the Foreign Secretary any information as to whether this was the result of indiscriminate bombing or was the building destroyed by the heathen Chinese or the civilised Americans?

I do not know, but I am certain that my hon. Friend will think the worst about it.

In view of that remark I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.