HC Deb 24 December 1929 vol 233 cc2141-2W
Commander WILLIAMS

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state what proportion of the total naval, military, and air forces used for the protection of life in China during the last three months have been British, French, and American, respectively?

Mr. ALEXANDER

The forces available for the protection of life in China are at present as follow:

Naval Forces.

Great Britain:

  • 5 cruisers.
  • 1 aircraft carrier.
    • 2142
  • 1 flotilla leader
  • 8 destroyers.
  • 4 sloops.
  • 1 despatch vessel.
  • 1 submarine tender.
  • 18 gunboats.

The only variation in strength during the last three months has been caused by the return of "Titania" and six "L" class submarines, i.e. for about two-thirds of the period mentioned these should be added to the naval forces available.

United States:

  • 1 cruiser.
  • 21 destroyers and 1 tender.
  • 12 gunboats.
  • 12 submarines and 2 tenders
  • 2 minesweepers.
  • 1 armed yacht.

There has been no variation in strength during the last three months.

France:

  • 1 cruiser.
  • 5 despatch vessels.
  • 4 river gunboats (Yangtse flotilla).
  • 2 river gunboats (West River).

Military Forces.

Great Britain:

3,870 officers and men (exclusive of troops in Hong Kong)

United States:

2,530 officers and men (including marines),

France:

3,350 officers and men.

Air Forces

Great Britain:

3 flights

United States:

Nil.

France:

Nil.