Sir F. HALL (by Private Notice)asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can give the House any information about the present situation in China, in view of the disturbing reports. which have been received, and if he will state whether any special measures have been adopted to secure the safety of British residents there, as has been done by other nations?
Mr. HARMSWORTHI cannot usefully supplement the reports which have 2605 already appeared in the Press regarding the general situation. As regards the latter part of the question, His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires reported in a telegram dated the 11th of this month that he was in communication with the admiral in command on the China Station, and that British troops were, at his request, returning from their summer quarters at Shanhaikuan to Tientsin, as a precautionary measue. He also stated that the Diplomatic Body had addressed a Note to the Chinese Government, expressing the hope that fighting in Peking itself would be avoided, if possible, and said that a Presidential mandate was expected enjoining protection of foreign life and property.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKECan the hon. Gentleman say whether there is any rioting in Hankow?