Mr. WEST RUSSELLasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any representations have been made to him with regard to the proposal to withdraw, 2560W as from 1st April, the armed guards from His Majesty's Forces that have recently been supplied to certain merchant vessels plying on the China coast; and what has been the nature of the reply?
Mr. ALEXANDERA communication on the subject was recently received, not by me, but by the Prime Minister, which made some proposals. These are being examined, and it is hoped to send a reply shortly.