§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN (Stirling Burghs)Will the right hon. Gentleman the Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs say whether he has any news from China?
§ *MR. BRODRICKWe have no later news from Peking than that already communicated, and we have no confirmation of the report which has appeared to-day as to the massacre of Europeans in Peking. In the opinion of the Commanders an increase of force is required before an advance can take place. With respect to this we are hourly expecting a reply from the Japanese Government to our communications. Her Majesty's Government have intimated to the Chinese Minister that the authorities at Peking will be held to be personally guilty if the members of the European Legations and other foreigner's in Peking suffer injury. The Chinese Minister has linen requested to communicate this message in such manner as will ensure its reaching the authorities at Peking, and it will be made known to the Viceroys throughout China.
§ *SIR J. COLOMB (Great Yarmouth)Is the right hon. Gentleman in a position to give the House any information as to the strength of the guards, the stores, food, and ammunition at the Legation in Peking?
§ *MR. BRODRICKNo.