§ MR. BECKETT () Yorkshire, N. K., WhitbyTo ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether arrangements have been concluded for the complete and simultaneous withdrawal of the troops of all nations from Shanghai and the Yangtsze Valley at an early date; and whether the assurance given by China in February, 1898, to Great Britain that she will never alienate any territory in the provinces adjoining the Yangtsze to any other Lower, whether under lease, mortgage, or any other designation, still holds good in letter and fact.
(Answered by Lord Orcmborne.) The Japanese troops have already been withdrawn and the British contingent is under orders to leave on the 20th instant. His 216 Majesty's Government are informed that the German force will also leave by that date, or, failing this, early in January.
The French troops will leave on the 22nd of December. The British Commandant reports that the German and French Commandants will as a temporary measure leave behind certain details for the purpose of winding up business. The British Commandant has reserved the same right if necessary. As regards the second part of my lion, friend's Question, the assurances given by the Chinese Government to His Majesty's Government on 11th February, 1898, with regard to the non-alienation to any other Power of territory in the Yangtsze region remain fully binding.