British Troops in China.

HC Deb 05 December 1911 vol 32 c1213

Mr. FELL

asked what is the present force of British troops in China, and where are they at present stationed?

Colonel SEELY

The establishment of British troops in China on 1st November was as follows: North China, 2,030 all ranks (including 956 Indian troops); South China, 4,274 all ranks (including 1,854 Indian troops). In addition there is at present a British Infantry Battalion in North China whose establishment is 933 all ranks. The troops are quartered at Peking, Tientsin, and Hong Kong.

Mr. HARRY LAWSON

Does that include the Sikhs employed in the foreign settlement?

Colonel SEELY

I could not be certain, but I think so. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will ask me again.

Mr. ASHLEY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how the strength compares with establishment?

Colonel SEELY

It is a well-understood rule in this House that one does not state the strength of a particular force in a disturbed area, but I can tell the hon. Gentleman that, in point of fact, I am informed that all these forces are over strength.