BRITISH FORCES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 November 1939, Page 5

BRITISH FORCES

REDUCTION IN NORTH CHINA. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. 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 current developments in the Far East. They recall that the United States acted similarly 18 months ago. Britain’s action will not affect the United States' present attitude and policies in North China. WAR OFFICE STATEMENT. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 9.25, a.m.) RUGBY, November 13. The War Office announces that Britain. which maintains in North China, in accordance with the International Protocol of 1901. certain military forces, has decided, for reasons of military convenience which have arisen from the conflict in Europe, toI maintain there only the effectives necessary to protect property and maintain order. This decision has been notified to the various governments who equally maintain garrisons in North China under the 1901 protocol.