LULL IN CHINA.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18412, 19 June 1925, Page 9

LULL IN CHINA.

SHANGHAI WHARVES IDLE. NATIONAL MOURNING APPEAL. (»T CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION— COPTZIGIIT.) (BEtTTEB'S TELEGRAMS.) PEKING, June 17. Tho shipping strike at Shanghai is not loosening, and 33 British and nine Japanese steamers aro tied up. All tho Shanghai wharves aro idle, but some work is going on on the Pootung sido of the river. Well-informed Chinese expect tho native banks to rc-open on Friday, which is the most favourable local feature. The strike leaders aro engrossed in endeavouring to influence official negotiations. They aro circulating incessant rumours that the foreigners arc giving way to tho Chineso demands. At Kiu-kiang tho situation is casing and the gates of tho Concession aro open to legitimate traffic, tho Chineso authorities demonstrating a dcßiro to maintain order. Tho position at Wu-hu, Chia-kiang and Nanking remains unchanged. At Amoy and Foo-chow, in the Fokien province, agitators are active, but there have been no disturbances. The commitleo of tho students, merchants, educationists, and labourers' emergency organisation has sent out circular telegrams all over the country, requesting the closing of shops, factories, schools, and Government departments, and the half-masting of flags as a sign of mourning for student martyrs and an expression of opposition to Imperialism. Japanese reports state that after the student demonstrations 4000 workmen at railway engineering works at Tougshan, on the Mukden line, walked out. Cotton mills and coal mines aro so far not affected. | REFORMS AT CANTON. REDUCING MILITARY LEADERS* POWERS. (becteb's telegrams.) PEKING, June 17. Since their victory over tho Yunnaneso the authorities at Canton claim that they have disarmed 14,000 mercenaries. An important meeting at the Kuomintang (People's Party) headquarters decided on the abolition of , civil governorship and the placing of the Government in the hands of a Commission of seven. As regards finance, all funds are to go through the Civil Treasury, military commanders being forbidden to levy taxes. Many present taxes are to be abolished. v The authorities expect 1 to meet exr penditure without gambling, Eevenuo gambling houses will consequently be suppressed. Opium suppression will also be enforced.

WAR DEMANDED. ANTI.BBITISH DEPUTATION. (iUSTOALUS AND K.Z, CUIUS ASSOCIATION.) (Received June 18th, 7.45 p.m.) JQne 17. A Japanese soroi-afficial news agency reports that 60 representatives of the leadinz organisations interviewed the War Minister'and submitted the following demandß:—The severance of "diplomatic rtjatipns with "Britain, the. dispatch of Chinese troops to all com-i 1 mercial ports for the protection of Chinese subjects, the declaration of war against Britain. The Minister replied tljat their wisest policy was to confine their activities to peaceful, patriotic movements, and await tho self-awakening of the foreigners., But, if the worst cara.e the. Government would not aet contrary to the expectations of the people. Reports from Shanghai state that Constable Cavan, a Britisher, w)iUe dispensing a mob of 6trike agitators, chaeed student ringleaders into an alleyway and was attacked by a hoe* tile crowd with choppers and other weapons and severely wounded. He was rescued in an unconscious condir tioni taken to hospital and operated upon. He is expected to recover. NOTE FROM BRITAIN. A REMINDER OP DUTY. i {AUSTEALIAH AKD K.Z. CABLE ASSOCTATIOy.) (Eecoivod June 18|h, 7.15 p.m.) PEKING, June 17. A further Note on behalf of the interested foreign Powers calls attention to the fact that sinco the previous Note now grave incidents have occurred at Shanghai and other localities, including the shooting of a British subject and the wounding of a lady accompanying nim. Tho Note adds: But from all Bides wo aro informed that anti-foreign sentiment is developing, which causes us grate apprehension. Wishing above all to dispel every cause which might impair the cordial relations between China and the foreign Governments, we urge upon the Chinese Government the imperative necessity of taking the steps incumbent upon it to meet the grave situation. .. COMMERCE WANTS PEACE. .._ (Beceivcd June 18th, 10.45 p.m.) TOKYO, Juno 18. ',. A conference of Associated Chambers of Camnierce passed a resolution that tho Government, co-operating with ths

Powers, should tafce the necessary steps to enaula the c«ly restoration of pcaco in China. It was agreed to telegraph the Chinese Chambers of Comnierco at Shanghai requesting their best efforts for the early restoration of peace.