§ 14. Mr. WELLOCKasked the Secretary of State for War the strength of the British troops in China; how this compares with the strength in 1926; whether any withdrawals have taken place since June; and whether further withdrawals are contemplated?
§ 16. Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for War when His Majesty's Forces in Shanghai and elsewhere on Chinese territory, other than legation guards, will be withdrawn; and what policy is guiding him in fixing this date?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON- EVANSThere are at present in China seven infantry battalions together with ancillary troops, in addition to the normal garrison of three infantry battalions which were stationed there in 1926. No withdrawals have taken place since June last. Further withdrawals must depend on the local situation.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWill the right hon. Gentleman reply to the last part of my question as to what policy is guiding him in fixing the date? Is he expecting an attack on Shanghai?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSAs I have already stated, further withdrawals will depend upon local circumstances.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWhat changes will have to take place before our troops are withdrawn?
§ Mr. WELLOCKDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think that it is very dangerous in the present situation to maintain British troops in China on an indeterminate basis?
§ Mr. SAKLATVALAHas the Secretary of State for War noted that the Cabinet in the King's Speech have expressed the opinion that the situation in China is now—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat does not arise out of the question on the Order Paper.
§ 23. Mr. THURTLEasked the Secretary of State for War how many, if any, of the troops originally sent out to Shanghai with the defence force still remain in China?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSOf the 18 additional battalions sent to China, 10 infantry battalions and the battalion of Royal Marines have left China. Under existing arrangements, six other battalions will leave during the present trooping season, and the 2nd Battalion The Border Regiment is being moved into permanent quarters at Tientsin for normal garrison duties there.