HC Deb 16 July 1900 vol 86 cc57-9
SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNEKMAN (Stirling Burghs)

I beg to ask whether the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs has any information to communicate on the subject of China; and not only as to events there, but as to the course which the Government proposes to take in regard to them.

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

Although no positive information has reached us of the terrible calamity of which details have appeared in the public press this morning, we can hardly, I fear, dare to hope that in substance the accounts of the massacres in Poking are erroneous. Consul General Warren at Shanghai telegraphed yesterday evening that he learnt from a well-informed Chinese source that cannon were believed to have been fired on the Legations on the 8th of July, a massacre ensuing, the object being to effect an irreparable breach with foreigners. Official confirmation of this report was wanting, but Her Majesty's Consul General feared it to he true. The following telegrams have been received from Brigadier General Dorward, in command of Her Majesty's military forces at Tientsin— Tientsin, 10th July.—Yesterday, 3 a.m., combined force 1,000 Japanese under the command of General Fokosima, 550 British troops, 400 British navy, 100 United States, 400 Russians under command of myself attacked enemy's position south-west of city. Positions were quickly captured. Enemy's loss 350 killed, four small guns (? captured). Combined force then attacked Western Arsenal outside South Gate, which, after a short bombardment, was rushed by United States and Japanese. Country to the west of Arsenal had been flooded by enemy, so no further movement in this direction was possible. Chief object of expedition, which was to clear away guns and enemy to the west of settlements', completely carried out. Day's honours rested with Japanese and Americans; Chinese regiment as escort to guns worked splendidly, getting over difficulties of swampy country. During the action British and French settlements heavily shelled by north-eastern batteries. Following casualties reported in action:—2nd Royal Welsh Fusiliers, 3044 Private Porter; Royal Marine Light Infantry, one private; one Chinese hospital attendant killed in action. Lieutenant Phayre, R.A., three men, 2nd Royal Welsh Fusiliers, one seaman, one man Chinese regiment, one Chinese hospital attendant wounded. No casualties amongst Russians and Americans. Following casualties reported during bombardment:—2nd Royal Welsh Fusiliers, 4034 Private Porter, one seaman killed in action. Three men, one seaman wounded. Yesterday's victory may result in withdrawal of Chinese troops from Tientsin, in which case fort and city will probably be attacked soon. The following telegram shows that that opinion, however, was not justified:— Tientsin, 11th July.—Three o'clock this morning, determined attack made by enemy on railway station, which is garrisoned by 100 British troops, 100 French. 100 Japanese. Attack repulsed with loss after four hours hard lighting; enemy's loss 500 killed; our loss, Hong Kong Regiment, 3 men killed 9 wounded; 2nd Battalion Welsh Fusiliers, I wounded; Royal Marine Light Infantry, 3 wounded; Royal Navy, 3 wounded. French and Japanese losses considerably heavier. We have also had a telegram to the effect that Vice-Admiral Seymour has returned to his ship, leaving at Tientsin only a sufficient number of the Naval Brigade to work the guns there. In a telegram, dated Ta-ku, 14th July, the Admiral states that he believes the allied forces have taken possession of every fort at Tientsin except one. It may be interesting to the House to know what forces are at Ta-ku. According to a telegram from Rear-Admiral Brace at Ta-ku, dated 11th July, the total of the allied forces landed and landing on the 10th July was about 20,700 men, composed as follows:

Officers. Men.
Russia 149 8,200
Japan 124 5,100
British 175 2,400
French 103 2,400
German 36 1,087
American 10 l,305
Italian Small detachments.
Austrian

Thus there are G04 officers and 20,700 men. The House is probably aware that considerable forces are now landed or are on their way, but the facilities for landing at Ta-ku are limited, and therefore the reinforcements cannot be landed as quickly as they arrive. I do not think I have any further information to give the House.