§ MR. YERBURGHI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government are aware that a strong opinion has been expressed at Shanghai that a powerful body of British troops together with transports should be held in readiness at Hong Kong for immediate despatch to the Yang-tsze Valley in case of necessity; and can he state what are the number of troops now at Hong Kong available for such service, and whether they are provided with sufficient transports.
§ * MR. BRODRICKThe Government are aware that strong views are held at Shanghai and other Yang-tsze ports as to the desirability of sending ships and troops for the protection of Europeans, but there is not unanimity of opinion as to the effect of such action. Troops are now rapidly arriving from India. The officers commanding the troops at Hong Kong and Wei-hai-wei have been directed to place themselves in direct communication with the Consul General at Shanghai with a view of meeting any emergency.
§ MR. YERBURGHThe right hon. Gentleman has not answered the last part of my question, as to the number of troops available and the supply of transports.
MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)Will the Government consider the alternative of withdrawing all British subjects in this region to Hong Kong?
§ [No answer was given.]