§ 45. Sir W. de FRECEasked the Prime Minister whether improved local conditions will render possible a reduction in the strength of the British Defence Force at Shanghai; and whether, in the coming summer, for climatic and health reasons, sections of this force can be transferred to more healthy adjacent stations?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Sir Laming Worthington-Evans)I have been asked to reply. The situation in China is not yet sufficiently stable to enable a decision to be taken as to reduction in the strength of the Shanghai Defence Force. As regards the second part 1360 of the question, I can assure my hon. Friend that this matter has not been overlooked.