§ 20. Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the anxiety of the British residents at Tientsin in view of the intention to withdraw the British guard; and whether he is satisfied that in all the treaty ports of China the position and safety of British subjects is assured?
Mr. A. HENDERSONI have received the text of a resolution passed at a meeting of British subjects in Tientsin on the 1st instant in the sense that the withdrawal of a British battalion from that town was considered by them to be in- 1684 opportune at the present juncture of events in China. One British battalion is, however, still stationed at Tientsin and a considerable number of other foreign troops are in the vicinity. The strength and distribution of British military forces in China is in accordance with the recommendations of our military advisers.
§ Mr. SOMERVILLEIs it proposed to retain a battalion there for the protection of these people?