BRUSSELS, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Dutch government is investigating whether it is possible to send a few dozen troops to Chad, which borders the strife-torn Darfur in western Sudan, Dutch press reported Monday.

　　The troops would lend support to a European Union (EU) mission comprising 3,000 to 4,000 troops led by the French, Dutch Development Cooperation Minister Bert Koenders said after Friday's cabinet meeting.

　　The troops are expected to operate outside the refugee camps in Chad. They would protect the local people and displaced persons as well as humanitarian organizations and U.N. staff.

　　Large numbers of refugees have fled the violence in Darfur to the border region in Chad. Last month, the EU endorsed a plan to deploy up to 4,000 troops in Chad and the Central African Republic, which border Darfur.

　　Koenders said this mission would not interfere with any decision on whether to extend the Dutch mission in Uruzgan, Afghanistan, or possible participation in a U.N. and African Union mission in Darfur itself.

　　According to Dutch Defense Minister Eimert van Middelkoop, the EU mission would involve a limited number of troops for a period of one year.

　　"We can handle it," the minister said.