CO129-502-6 China- general situation 7-1-1927 - 3-3-1927 — Page 215

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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

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