§ Mr. AMMONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the parade of bluejackets and marines which took place at Hong Kong on 6th February; whether the parade took place with his knowledge and approval; and what was the object of the parade, in view of the present anti-British feelings of the Chinese people?
Mr. DAVIDSONI am aware that this parade took place, but as Hong Kong is a British Colony there was no need for the Admiralty to be consulted in the matter. It is probable that, in view of the industrial unrest which has occurred at Hong Kong, this march was arranged to impress the native population.
§ Mr. SAKLATVALAasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the parade of Indian troops belonging to the Hong Kong garrison which took place at Kowloon, on the mainland of China, on 6th February; whether this parade took place with his knowledge and approval; and what was the object of the parade in view of the present anti-British feeling in China?
§ Mr. AMERYMy only information is that there have been marches by naval and military forces through the streets of 1553W the Colony of Hong Kong, of which Kowloon is a part. I see no reason to take exception to such a demonstration the object of which was presumably to reassure the population of the Colony against any attempts at intimidation.