HC Deb 13 July 1927 vol 208 cc2115-6
5. Mr. DALTON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that the main Chinese armies are now hundreds of miles away from Shanghai, it is now intended to withdraw, either in whole or in part, the Shanghai Defence Force?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the supplementary question of the hon. Member for Central Southwark (Colonel Day) on the 6th of July. Two batteries of artillery and certain of the ancillary units attached to the Indian Brigade are also being withdrawn.

Colonel DAY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what troops have taken their place, because in the answer he has said that they have been replaced?

Sir A. CHAMEBRLAIN

I referred to the troops already there. This brigade was sent out in the first instance, because it could arrive most quickly on the spot. It was never intended to maintain it there indefinitely.

Mr. MARDY JONES

Have any British troops actually been withdrawn?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

I do not say whether they have actually been withdrawn, but there are British troops in this Indian mixed brigade.

Mr. TREVELYAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman keeping in mind the fact that the health of the troops is deteriorating? One man in 25 is in hospital at the present time.

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

I do not know; I must not be taken as accepting the right hon. Gentleman's figure, of which I have no knowledge; I neither accept nor dispute it. His Majesty's Government have from the first foreseen the difficulties due to the climatic conditions, and they and the authorities on the spot are taking every precaution that it is possible to take.

Captain GARRO-JONES

In view of the fact that the Government will not withdraw the main body of troops until an understanding has been reached with the main Chinese forces, can the right hon. Gentleman say whether an attempt is now being made to enter into negotiations with the Chinese forces for a settlement?

HON. MEMBERS

Which?

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

The winning side.

HON. MEMBERS

Which is it?

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

The Nationalists.

35. Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURY

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that the trooping season is usually in the winter months, he is taking especial precautions with regard to the transport of the British troops back from China to India through the tropics; and what is the nature of the precautions taken to avoid sickness and heat-stroke?

The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Sir Laming Worthington-Evans)

Yes, Sir. Instructions have been issued to ensure that:

  1. 1. Ventilation of all troop decks is adequate.
  2. 2. Sufficient electric fans and blowers are provided in all troop decks, cabins and hospitals.
  3. 3. Adequate canvas awnings are available on open decks.
  4. 4. Adequate sail baths are available for the use of troops.
  5. 5. Arrangements are made for ample supplies of ice.
  6. 6. As many men as possible sleep on deck.