TURMOIL IN CHINA

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18888, 31 December 1926, Page 15

TURMOIL IN CHINA

CANTONESE ADVANCE. SHANGHAI IN DAM.EK. ■BT CABI.I—PRESS AS3OCIATIOK--toriRIGHr. ;a-stealian axb s.s. CABLE ASSOCIATION.) SHANGHAI. December 23. Refugees are pouring into Shanghai from Hangehow. the tapitai of ihc Chekiang province 100 miles distar.t from Shanghai, indicating that a Cantonese bid for posses-ion of Shanghai is imminent. During the past foif.iiglu the Cantonese have been busy .spreading propaganda among th 3 Chekiang' soldiery, and succeeded in causing the latter to declare their independence trom (Mil: Chuan-fang, the Governor of Shanghai, who is thus stripped of a considerable portion of his army. The remainder, numbering 20,000. are suspected of disloyalty. Telegraphic communication between Shanghai and Hangchow h interrupted, and fighting is reported between the Chekiang forces, who a:e virtually Red, and ike shantung r.nny at present stationed at Nanking, the Yangtsc railway terminus. The .Shantung army was expected to rush to Shanghai to prevent the entry of the Cantonese. This is not expected to come about, according to private information, which states that one of Sun Chuan-fang's subordinates io stationed midway on the railway commanding a force of considerable size, which threatens to prevent the advance of the Shantung forces. This is the result of a long-standing grudge, the outcome of former inter-province war. Shanghai's chief concern is now the prevention of disorders and lootings at the hands of Sun Chuan-fang's undisciplined troops retreating from the Cantonese. Much anxiety is felt by merchants and shopkeepers outside of the settlements.

The British cruiser Enterprise, from the Mediterranean, is duo at Shanghai on Saturday.

Foreign vessels in the Yangtse gorges have again been subjected to attacks from the banks, which arc occupied by leaderless troops. All services are suspended.

BRITISH NOTE. THREE COUNTRIES FAVOURABLE (AUSTEAU.W AND K.Z. CABLS ASSOCIATION.) LONDON 1 ", December 29. Although the Government has not yet received official replies to the British memorandum to China, it is semi-officially stated that it is acceptable to Italy, Belgium, .and the United States, while France, maintains an attitude of reserve, and Japan is inclined .to' be critical.

All the Chinese parties, though not enthusiastic, are likely to accept it, particularly the proposals relating to the immediate imposition of the Washington surtaxes.