HC Deb 23 February 1927 vol 202 cc1732-3
8. Mr. LANSBURY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many British and Indian troops have been landed in Shanghai luring the last two months, and on which part of the International Concession the troops are housed; and has any protest been received from the Chinese Governments against the landing of these troops?

Sir WILLIAM DAVISON

Before my right hon. Friend answers this question, I would like to ask whether it is in the public interest that information of this kind should be given to persons who opposed giving protection to British citizens abroad?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

As regards the number of troops, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him by the Prime Minister on the 10th instant. Such troops as have been landed are all accommodated in various British properties in the International Settlement. In my reply on the 21st February to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Platting and my hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff East, I read the text of Mr. Chen's protest against the despatch of British troops to Shanghai. A protest has also been made by the Peking Government.

Mr. BECKETT

Would the right hon. Gentleman give us any information about the rumours of a mutiny among a battalion of Punjabis?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

There is no foundation whatever for them.