§ 5. Mr. DALTONasked 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. CHAMBERLAINI 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 Two batteries of artillery and certain of the ancillary units attached to the Indian Brigade are also being withdrawn.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 DAYCan 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. CHAMEBRLAINI 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 MARDY JONESHave any British troops actually been withdrawn?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINI do not say whether they have actually been withdrawn, but there are British troops in this Indian mixed brigade.
§ Mr. TREVELYANIs 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. CHAMBERLAINI 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 2116 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-JONESIn 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?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYThe winning side.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYThe Nationalists.
§ 35. Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked 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. Ventilation of all troop decks is adequate.
- 2. Sufficient electric fans and blowers are provided in all troop decks, cabins and hospitals.
- 3. Adequate canvas awnings are available on open decks.
- 4. Adequate sail baths are available for the use of troops.
- 5. Arrangements are made for ample supplies of ice.
- 6. As many men as possible sleep on deck.