BRITAIN IN CHINA

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 117, 14 November 1939, Page 9

BRITAIN IN CHINA

REDUCED FORGES

OWING TO CONFLICT IN

EUROPE

OFFICIAL STATEMENT

(British Official Wireless.) (Received November 14, .10-a.m.)

RUGBY, November 13

The War Office announces that Britain, which maintains in North China, in accordance withUhe international protocol of 1901, certain military forces, has decided, for reasons of military convenience which have arisen from the conflict"■in Europe, to maintain there only those effective forces necessary to protect property and maintain order. This decision has been notifiedto the various Governments which equally maintain garrisons in North China under the 1901 protocol.

ATTITUDE OF U.S.A.

NOT AFFECTED BY BRITAIN'S ACTION NEW YORK, November 13. The Washington correspondent of the "New York Times" says that official circles interpret Britain's reduction of her forces in North China as having been motivated by European conditions rather than by the current developments in the Far East. They recall that the United States acted similarly eighteen months ago. Britahvs action will not affect the present attitude of the United States and her policies in North China. The Tokio correspondent of the United Press, however, says the Japanese are satisfied that the British announcement is regarded as a move towards the eventual relinquishment of British interests in North China. It is estimated that only 100 to 150 troops remain to serve the Embassy consular guards.