§ 8. Mr. THURTLEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, now that a Treaty has been concluded with the Chinese Nationalist Government, he is in a position to state when the remaining units of the Shanghai defence force will be withdrawn from China?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War to the hon. and gallant Gentleman the Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Ken-worthy).
§ Mr. THURTLEIs the Foreign Secretary aware that at the time when these troops were sent the Government gave a public pledge that, as they were sent to meet a special emergency, as soon as the emergency had passed away all troops would be withdrawn? In view of that fact, ought not all the troops to be withdrawn now?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINWe have no desire to keep troops there a day longer than is necessary, but at present the conditions are not such as to admit of the total withdrawal of troops, though their numbers have been steadily reduced.