HC Deb 17 May 1927 vol 206 cc962-3
14. Mr. THURTLE

asked the Secretary of State for War the total number of British troops now in Shanghai and the total number at Hong Kong?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Captain Douglas King)

The British military forces now in Shanghai consist of 12 infantry battalions, and one Marine battalion, with ancillary troops. At Hong Kong there are, including the four battalions arriving, seven infantry battalions, with ancillary troops.

15. Mr. THURTLE

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is proposing to, take any steps in the near future to bring home the Class A reservists who were sent out with the Shanghai defence force?

Captain KING

No, Sir.

Mr. THURTLE

Is it proposed to keep these Class A reservists at Shanghai just as long as the Shanghai Defence Force is there?

Captain KING

The hon. Member must not take it from my answer that that is so. I said that there is no immediate intention of withdrawing them.

Captain STREATFEILD

Will my hon. and gallant Friend assure the House, and also British nationals in China, that there will be no withdrawal of the British Defence Force at Shanghai until settled conditions prevail?

Captain KING

I do not think that that arises out of the Question on the Paper.