HC Deb 29 November 1911 vol 32 cc385-6
Mr. STEWART

asked whether there had been any interruption of the usual service of British steamers on the Yangtse or the Canton River owing to piratical attacks; and, if so, whether the daily service had been restored?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Acland)

The revolution in China has, of course, caused widespread disturbance, and the most important events or those on which instructions are required are reported by His Majesty's Minister at Pekin by telegraph. He has not so far reported on what is the subject of the question.

Mr. STEWART

asked, in view of the fact that British steamers had been recently attacked by pirates in the West River, what British ships of war were available for patrol duty between Hong Kong and Wuchow?

The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Churchill)

Besides several large ships at Hong Kong, the "Rosario" is at Canton, and three river gunboats are in the West River.

Mr. STEWART

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he could give the names of His Majesty's ships on the Yangtse and at Shanghai, and were they able to land a sufficient force for the protection of the British settlement should the necessity arise; and would he say whether there was a man-of-war wintering at Tientsin?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The vessels at Shanghai and on the Yangtse are the "Newcastle," "Cadmus," "Clio," "Bramble," "Britomart," "Thistle," and "Alacrity," besides seven river gunboats. A naval force could be landed at Shanghai in case of a sudden grave emergency, but in the event of an actual defence of the settlement becoming necessary, His Majesty's Government would have to consider other methods of protection. There is no British man-of-war at Tientsin.

Mr. STEWART

asked how many gunboats or shallow-draught cruisers there were in reserve at Hong Kong, and were reserve crews immediately available for them in the event of further protection being required at any of the treaty ports in China?

Mr. CHURCHILL

There are no vessels of the class indicated in reserve at Hong Kong.

Mr. STEWART

In view of the necessity which might arise at any moment, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of reinforcing the China Squadron by cruisers of this sort from either the East Indian or the Australian station?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Two cruisers have been ordered from the Australian station to reinforce the China squadron.