CO129-502-8 China- general situation 27-4-1927 - 15-9-1927 — Page 124

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of Peking by the Nationalists appeared imminent.

Since

then there had been a check in this advance and various

For example, changes had taken place in the situation.

there had been an accession of strength to the foreign

forces in China since May 31st, the main items of which were:-

France.

900

America..

Japan...

.2,800 and 12 aeroplanes

2,000 (Tsingtau)

For the above reasons the Chief of the Imperial General Staff

considered that there was a surplus of British troops, and

recommended to commence the withdrawal of the 20th Indian

Infantry Brigade which would at all times admit of our rein-

forcing North China with one Brigade, if necessary.

A

reinforcement in North China of a second Brigade would also

be available until such time as it was decided to withdraw the

13th Infantry Brigade, provided the position in Shanghai

remained unchanged. The withdrawal of the 20th Indian

Ifantry Brigade would mean a saving of about £62,500 a month

The Secretary of State for Air asked for authority

to withdraw a Squadron of the Royal Air Force from China,

as it was now redundant and there were no adequate facilities

for