§ 55. Mr. ANSTRUTHER-GRAYasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office, with regard to the proposal to build new barracks at Hong Kong, whether it is intended to alter the distribution of British troops in China?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Duff Cooper)Unless there should be any change in the situation in Shanghai, it is not proposed to replace the battalion which is to be withdrawn this winter from Shanghai to Hong Kong in accordance with the normal trooping programme. This does not involve a change of policy as regards our garrisons in China, Since the two battalions at Shanghai are an integral part of the garrison of Hong Kong, having been detached to deal with the situation in Shanghai. The total garrison in China will, therefore, remain the same, and it will always be possible to reinforce Shanghai from Hong Kong quickly, as was done in February, 1932.