§ 38. Sir A. FELLasked how many Chinese are now employed in France and what steps are being taken to get them back to China; and how many natives from Africa are now being employed and when they will be returned home?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLOn 8th March there were about 83,000 Chinese Coolies employed in France, of whom 4,000 are under orders to return, and will probably be repatriated by the end of April. No date has been fixed as regards the repatriation of the remainder, who will be required in France for some time. They cannot in any case have priority over the Australian 209 troops who have been fighting, whereas the Chinese have not been exposed to danger. There are 4,000 African natives in France, 1,200 of the Cape Coloured Labour Battalion and 2,800 of the Cape Auxiliary Horse Transport Companies. No date has yet been fixed when their services can be dispensed with, as they are now employed on salvage work.