CHINA—ANTI-FOREIGN MOVEMENT— CAPTURE OF THE TA-KU FORTS, ETC. (Hansard, 20 June 1900)

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

I am afraid we have very little news. There is one telegram to the Admiralty, a portion of which is already in possession of the House It is from Rear-Admiral Bruce, at Ta-ku, via Chifu, dated 20th June:— 17th June. Ta-ku forts captured by allied forces this morning. Bombardment commenced 12.50 a.m.; ended about 6.30 a.m. Details later on. Chinese admiral present with allied fleet. Flag flying in cruiser. At council meeting this moving he agreed to anchor with fleet, putting out tires. 18th June. No news from Commander-in-Chief and advanced guard. Tientsin now cut off; heavy tire heard there last night; 3,000 Russian troops under major-general here. My communications with allied authorities most harmonious. With regard to the heavy firing at Tientsin, a telegram has been received at the Foreign Office from the British Consul at Tientsin, viâ Chifu. It is dated 20th June, but it may perhaps have left Tientsin on the 18th. It is to this effect— Boxers last night did much damage to line north of Tientsin and burned Roman Catholic cathedral, mission chapel, and great number of Chinese houses. Chinese troops made no visible effort to restrain them. On their attacking settlement foreign guard killed about 100. We have no later information.