Next to come up for discussion was! the Spear problem, for Lieutenant-Colonel C. R. Spear, British Military Attache in China who was arrested Japanese soldiers at Kalgan on May 28 is stil in the custody of the Japanese military, The Government was:
ked whether there were any further declarations it could make on this subject.
have nothing further to report," Mr, Butler stated, On being pressed by Mr. Hender~ who asked, "What action does the british Government propose to. take Ju view of the failure of the Japanese Government to release this officer?"
Mr. Butler added that, "Mr. Hender-may rest assured that we are taking a most serious view of this question and have the possibility future action under consideration."
Mr. Winston Churchill broke in. this juncture with the query, "Can the Prime Minister say where the affeer is at present, and is he satisfied 8 to the conditions of his detention?"
"The officer in question is detained at Kalyan." Mr. Butler retorted. "There have been delays in providing, this ameer with certain amenities, but we understand that in some respects the conditions have recently been improved as a result of representations."
"Ws it not plain, is it not clear that Colonel Spear's detention finite breach of international law? Sir Percy Harris, Liberal member for Southwest Bethnal Green, then me quired. "Will not the British Government be more vigorous in proteetion of its citizens?"
"Vigour in this case is obviously necessary." Mr. Butler agreed. "The British Government has not relaxed. in its efforts to secure this affeer's release," he added.
"As to the question of diplomatic! immunity, there Is some question as to whether this applies to the exact circumstances of Colonel Spears movements," Mr. Butler concluded.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.