HC Deb 18 June 1900 vol 84 cc287-8
SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN (Stirling Burghs)

Is there any information that can be given to the House with regard to the state of affairs in China?

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

We have no news from Sir Claude MacDonald later than the 12th instant, but nothing has reached us to confirm the rumour of a general attack on the legations at Peking. The latest telegram from Admiral Seymour's force is dated 13th instant, the telegraph to Tientsin having been cut. A Japanese man-of-war which arrived at Chefoo last night from Ta-ku reported that the commander-in-chief and troops had returned to Tientsin. The Ta-ku forts opened fire on gunboats in the mouth of the river on Sunday at 12.30 a.m.; the ships then engaged the forts, and the engagement was proceeding when the Japanese ship left at 5.30 a.m. Detachments from all the ships of war were landed on Saturday to protect Ta-ku. There was one Chinese ship of war at Ta-ku remaining passive. As regards reinforcements, the British troops from Hong Kong will reach Ta-ku on Thursday. We understand that Russian, French, and Japanese reinforcements are due about the same date. Additional British ships are on their way from Manila and Hong Kong. I need hardly say that no effort is being spared to get in touch with the Admiral, and to give him every support in our power. In the last hour we have heard that telegraphic communication has been re-established with Ta-ku and Tientsin via Helampo, north of Manchuria.

MR. YERBURGH

May I ask the First Lord of the Treasury a question of which I have sent him private notice— namely, whether it is the intention of the Government to send native troops from India to reinforce the garrison of Hong Kong?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

The answer to my hon. friend's question is in the affirmative.