§ 77. Captain FAIRFAXasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there have been any British casualties in Canton in the recent military operations; whether all British civilians have by now been evacuated; and if he has taken or can take any action to safeguard British property there?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONSo far as is known there have been no British casualties in the recent disturbances at Canton. On the 12th December, His Majesty's vice-Consul proceeded to the east suburb in His Majesty's Ship "Moorhen" and evacuated without casualty 81 foreigners, including 11 British, 15 Americans and 55 Germans. About six British subjects and some other foreigners refused to leave. I have no information indicating any evacuation of the British Concession at Shameen. The British Concession is guarded by about 100 British infantry; according to the most recent report there are at Canton three British warships, one Japanese, two French and two American. I have no doubt that the Commander-in-Chief will at once despatch naval reinforcements from Hong Kong to Canton if further measures for the protection of British lives and property should appear necessary.