HC Deb 13 July 1900 vol 85 cc1452-3
MR. DILLON

In the vain hope of getting information I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now in a position to state to the House the grounds on which the allied Admirals justify their attack on the Ta-ku forts.

*MR. BRODRICK

The forts opened fire on the allied forces, but the operations of the Chinese in reinforcing Ta-ku, attacking Tong-ku, opposite Ta-ku, and mining the mouth of the Peiho would have made it necessary in any case to seize the forts before the relief of Tientsin could be attempted. Admiral Bruce stated that the capture of the forts had been effected only just in time. It was imperatively necessary to maintain communications with Tientsin and Admiral Seymour's force.

MR. DILLON

Is it not the fact that the forts opened fire only after notice had been served on them that the allied forces would take possession in the course of a few hours?

[No answer was given.]