HC Deb 01 December 1926 vol 200 cc1168-71
10. Mr. LOOKER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if His Majesty's Government are satisfied that adequate forces are available to ensure the safety of the British community in Shanghai should trouble arise there owing to the advance of the Cantonese army to that city, or owing to the activities of the corps of propagandist agitators which forms part of the Cantonese advance?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

I do not at present see reason to anticipate an armed attack on Shanghai by the Cantonese forces. The activities of professional agitators may increase the unrest in labour circles that has been existent in that town for months part, but there do not appear to be grounds for believing that this would involve personal danger to the British community, although it might occasion inconvenience.

Mr. LOOKER

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that what is occurring in Hankow is part of an organised campaign by means of starvation and bloodshed to drive the British communities out of these concessions, and that this campaign will inevitably spread to other coast ports, including Shanghai, fostered by this corps of propagandist agitators?

Mr. SPEAKER

I really must ask the hon. Member to put a question like that on the Order Paper. It is important that. I should see questions of this character before they are answered.

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

Will you permit me to say, Sir, that I cannot accept the premises of the question, and I do not think questions of that character really serve British interests at this moment.

Mr. JAMES HUDSON

May I ask whether it is the case that the great discontent among the workers in Hankow and elsewhere is the result only of the work of agitators Are there not other important reasons for—

Mr. SPEAKER

Again I should like to see that question on the Order Paper.

14. Sir WALTER de FRECE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the unrest caused by the civil war, he can give any information as to the position of British subjects in China, both in the Treaty ports and in isolated places in the interior; and whether he has made any representations to the Chinese authorities on the desirability of protecting such British subjects where protection is needed?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

There is at the moment no reason to be apprehensive of personal danger to British subjects in the Treaty ports, with the possible exception of Hankow, concerning which I have promised a statement later this afternoon in reply to the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition. As regards British subjects living in isolated places in the interior, they are not, as far as I am aware, threatened by any general outbreak of anti-foreign feeling, although individual eases of danger from brigands, lawless gangs and local agitators are bound to occur in the present conditions. His Majesty's diplomatic and consular officers are in constant touch both with the central and local authorities in China, with a view to obtaining protection for British subjects.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Has my right hon. Friend's attention been called to a letter in the "Times" this morning in which it is said that a massacre was anticipated at Hankow?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

Yes, I have read it.

Mr. HARRIS

As China is a member of the League of Nations, does the right hon. Gentleman propose to put the whole problem of China before the League?

Mr. LOOKER

is it not a fact that various British communities in China in the last few days have telegraphed for extra naval assistance?

Mr. SPEAKER

That point will arise on the question which is to be put later.

Mr. WALLHEAD

Is it not a fact that the soldiers of the Cantonese armies are more in hand and better disciplined than the soldiers in the other Chinese army? The "Times" says that they are, and I ask whether that is a fact or not.

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

I am reluctant to express opinions on the relative humanity of different Chinese armies, but certainly it should not he assumed that the forces of the Cantonese are not as good as any others.

25. Mr. LOOKER

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will furnish the House with particulars of our present naval strength in the Far East?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

The strength of the China Squadron is:

  • Cruisers, 5;
  • Sloops, 4;
  • River gunboats, 15;
  • Submarines, 12;
  • Submarine depot ships, 2;
  • Submarine tender, 1;
  • Despatch vessel, 1;
  • Armed launches, 3.
The following reinforcements were added to the squadron last October: "Hermes," aircraft carrier, and Third Destroyer Flotilla, which comprises one flotilla leader and eight destroyers.

Mr. LOOKER

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that these forces are sufficient in the present emergency to answer all the calls that may be made upon them for the protection of British subjects?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I cannot possibly forecast all of the calls, to which my hon. Friend refers, that may be made, but we consider that the forces at present are sufficient, and we are considering the possibility of having to add to them.