§ Mr. LUNNasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the present strength of the Shanghai volunteer force; whether there is reason to believe that the force has been increased during the past six months; and whether there has been any further increase since the recent shootings?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe total strength of the Shanghai volunteer force on the 31st December, 1923, including reserves, was 1,533. No later information is available, but I think it may be presumed that an increase in the strength has taken place since the recent riots, as responsible able-bodied citizens would naturally respond to the necessities of the situation.