HC Deb 24 November 1920 vol 135 cc456-7W
Mr. RONALD McNEILL

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can give any information regarding the recent severe fighting in North China between the Chinese and Japanese; if he will say how many British troops, whether white or Indian, are in that part of the world; and for what purpose are they being kept there?

Mr. CHURCHILL

No information has been received indicating any recent fighting between Japanese and Chinese troops. During September and early October, Japanese troops on the North Korean frontier were attacked by bandits of mixed nationalities, and certain minor operations have in consequence taken place. As regards the remainder of the question, one company of British infantry is at Pekin as British Legation guard, and one Indian battalion is at Tientsin for the protection of part of the railway communications between Pekin and the sea. This battalion also furnishes a small detachment of 50 men at Wei-hai-wei.