§ Mr. GINNELLasked what British force was specified by the Protocol, signed by the Powers after the Boxer outbreak in 1900, to remain in North China for the preservation of order; and for how long; what was the entire strength of the British forces maintained there now; whether they were maintained there at China's expense; how many of these troops were white men, and how many were men of colour; and whether he was aware that the maintenance of troops of an inferior race in their country was resented by the Chinese?
§ Sir E. GREYThe Final Peace Protocol of 1901 provided that each Power had the right to maintain a permanent guard in its Legation quarter and to occupy certain points between Peking and the sea Under this agreement a total of about 8,000 troops was maintained in North China for several years, about 2,000 of whom were British. These troops are maintained at the expense of the country to which they belong, and not of China. No time-limit was specified in the Protocol of 1901, but the 2299 question of their reduction has been, and still is, under consideration. The latest information I have shows that there are 64 British officers and 1,025 European British troops, 17 Indian officers, and 805 Indian troops in North China. I have no reason to suppose that the presence of the latter is in any way resented by the Chinese, nor are they of inferior race, and I repudiate entirely the description of them given in the question.
§ Dr. V. H. RUTHERFORDDoes India bear any proportion of the expenses of these troops in China?
§ Sir E. GREYI must ask the hon. Member to give notice of that question.