Assault on the Customs: Statement by Sir Austen Chamberlin London, Nov. 29.
Replying to Mr. Refnspy': Mac-Donald, the made, his first appear-lance in the House of Commons today since his return from abroad the Secretary of State for Foreign] Affairs (Sir Austen Chamberlain) referred to. the grave anti-foreign evement qt Hankow, including the tims of the newly-formed union of lower grade Customs employees. He said that the Commissioner of Customs hoped to Keep the Customs House open and maintain the lights. service with foreign Iebour but this might be diffeult if. the Customs House was picketed. The latest report showed that the sit on, in this connexion was some. what easier. The union had presented demands but these were understood not to be of an impossible nature, though possibly this was only a y-liminary move.
The Foreign Secretary mentioned the latest facts about the progress of the general strike movement and fcommanist activities, "He hoped. to afford Mr. MacDonald more in-{formation om December 1 if he would repeat his question.
Ta reply to Mr. Looker (Conservlative) the Foreign Secretary said that the British request from Han-for strengthening of the naval forces was being considered by the! Government and the Admiralty.
Nov, 29.
In official circles in London it is] pointed out that, Hankow defendable. Though it i 800 mi from the mouth of the Yangize, the
comparatively large battle ah river ina mile and bal lie of the waterfront.—Reuter,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.