HC Deb 04 May 1927 vol 205 cc1634-5W
Mr. RENNIE SMITH

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the numbers of extra troops despatched by other States to China since the present crisis began?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

Particulars of the naval forces of the Powers in China were given in my answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Kidderminster (Mr. Wardlaw-Milne) on the 13th of April. Since that date it has been announced that reinforcements of ships have been or are being sent by the United States, Japan and France, as follows:

United States.—One transport, two submarine tenders, 12 submarines.

Japan.—Two cruisers, 16 torpedo boat destroyers.

France.—One cruiser, one dispatch vessel.

I should also add that the reply given on the 13th of April omitted from the French forces one cruiser.

In addition to their naval forces, France has sent three infantry battalions with ancillary troops, totalling between 1,300 and 1,400 in all, to Shanghai. Japan has sent a division to Manchuria.

I have reason to think that further troop movements are intended or in progress.