§ Mr. HANNONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can make any statement on the threat to Canton from the Kwangsi and Chang-Fat-Kwai's forces; and what measures have been adopted to safeguard British interests in the districts which may become the object of attack?
Mr. A. HENDERSONI have no news of any recent fighting in the Canton area, but on 8th December the Government troops, who had been occupying a defence line some 30 miles from the city, were reported to be falling back. Canton was reported quiet on that date, with no signs of local disruption. There are five warships on the West River patrol, three of which are at Canton, the remainder being disposed of in accordance with the situation. Arrangements have been made to provide military reinforcements should the situation necessitate such action.