236
il.
At Chinking there is one British destroyer.
An American destroyer is also stationed there, whilst
at Nanking, which is about 50 miles higher up the River
there are two British cruisṛrs and one more British
destroyer.
These ships could provide a lending party
of about 300 rifles. This force should be sufficient
for the maintenance of order against the local population,
but in the event of the arrival of Chinose Nationalist
troops the concession might, in circumstances similar
to those which arose at Hankow and Kiukiang have to be
evacuated.
12.
Tientsin. In our earlier Report (C.I.De 617-B)
we stated that the international forces at Tientsin
amounted to 138 officers and 2,978 other ranks, including
British forces of 24 officers and 673 other ranks.
TIC
have not had time to check these figures in detail, but
we have no reason to suppose that they have altered
materially.
The original purpose of these forces was
to keep open communications with the Legations at Pekin
and to provide guards at those Icgations. c doubt if
they would be able to achieve this object in any grave
circumstances.
The said forces are sufficient only for the
maintenance of order in times of populer disturbance, end
would be in a position of grave danger if exposed to attack
by a large organised Chinese force.
ships at Tientsin is not practicable.
from which
is Japan.
Co-operation by
The only source
reinforcements could be obtained at Tientsin
-77-
Before...