HC Deb 09 July 1900 vol 85 cc943-4
SIR E. ASHMEAD - BARTLETT (Sheffield, Ecclesall)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can now state the reply of the Japanese Government to the request of Her Majesty's Government that Japan should undertake the relief of the Legations and the suppression of the disturbances in Northern China; and whether Her Majesty's Government have offered to guarantee Japan protection at sea, if necessary, during such a campaign.

*THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. BRODRICK,) Surrey, Guildford

The Japanese Government have stated that reinforcements, bringing up the number of their troops in China to 20,000, will be sent as rapidly as possible. One battalion and three batteries of artillery started for Ta-ku on Friday last. No application for such a guarantee as is referred to in the second question has been made by Japan, and no question of giving one has arisen.

SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

Can the right hon. Gentleman state what day the Indian troops will arrive at Ta-ku?

MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)

Is there any question of financial guarantee?

MR. DALZIEL (Kirkcaldy Burghs)

Can the right hon. Gentleman state the date at which the request was made?

MR. MACLEAN (Cardiff)

What has been the cause of the delay in the despatch of Japanese troops?

MR. DILLON (Mayo, E.)

He may not answer.