CO129-502-8 China- general situation 27-4-1927 - 15-9-1927 — Page 131

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REDUCTION

OF CRUISERS ON THE CHINA STATION.

1. The China Committee had before them a Memorandum by the First Lord of the Admiralty

(C.C. (26)3), stating that at the present time there are 13 Cruisers on the China Station and containing the following proposals for

reductions:-

Permanent Reductions: Withdrawal of

two Cruisers("Enterprise" and "Emerald").

Temporary Reductions: Reduction of one Cruiser during September and October, and of two Cruisers and "Hermes" during November, December, January and February.

In March, one Cruiser and "Hermes" will re-join, leaving one Cruiser less on the China Station than in August, 1927. It is hoped that by then it will have been possible to withdraw all ships at present lent to China Station from the Mediterranean, but should the situation require it the number of Cruisers could be again brought up to 11 by attaching either "Enterprise" of "Emerald". This temporary reduction will take place during the low-water season on the Yangtse, when Cruisers can best be spared.

It was further stated in the Memorandum

that the Commander-in-Chief, China, has been consulted and concurs in the above proposals.

Mr.Bridgeman explained that the

intention was to withdraw only two cruisers in all, and the Memorandum should be read in that

sense.

Sir William Tyrrell stated that the Foreign Office had no objection to the proposal

as the Naval Commander-in-Chief concurred.

CONCLUSION.

The Committee approved the withdrawal of two Cruisers as proposed by the Naval Commander-in-Chief.

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