CHINA AMD GERMANY

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 261, 23 July 1918, Page 6

CHINA AMD GERMANY

Sir,—The severance of Chinese diplomatic relations with GermaiV is welcomed by tliine.se of all shades of political opinion, except the infinitesimal minority whose interests might be imperilled', and who are influenced by German propaganda. Owing to Germany s dishonourable diplomatic intrigues in China during the past decade, various sections of the Chinese have earnestlysought means of opposing Germany m the great European struggle but lutle could be done by China as agnation, as her neutrality m> till a few months ago had to be maintained. Nevertheless, individual Chinese have given much support to the Allies, Great Britain m particular. In addition to generous financial contributions to various lied Cross funds all over the world, and the Prince of Wales War Keiief Fund, Chinese have, presented about twelve aeroplanes, numerous equipped motor ambulances, and other gifts to the British. A Chinese shinowner has voluntarily given the British Admiralty the free use of two 5000ton steamer.? for transport purposes till tho conclusion of the war. tine of these i vessels recently arrived in Australia ■ laden with sick and wounded Australian soldiers. At the beginning of the war, Great Britain and Japan attacked tho German colony of Kiao-Chau, in North China. The Chinese Government gave much help lo the Allies on that occasion by declaring a substantial war zone on Chinese populated territory, from which the Germans were attacked. The Kaiser "straf- ! Ed" China for her alleged breach of neutrality, and promised China severe punishment after the war.

The Press has ;ot given the news of the recent Chino-Gernian relations as much prominence as it deserves. China's participation in the war on the side of the Entente Powers will be a big factor in throttling Germany's exertions after the war, otherwise the Far East would be the principal market for her exports when other parts of the. world are closed against her by exclusion, high tariffs, or economic conditions. It is well known that Germany has been maintaining all the machinery of her commerce in- China for a resumption of trade immediately at tho conclusion of tho war. Their bale- ' fill influence will be shortly eliminated ■ from the treaty ports nnd international I settlements, where all foreigners now enjoy equal rights, and which the Germans flagrantly abuse. China's firm attitude against Germany will, besides avenging Teutonic crimes, relieve China's financial stringency, as she will-- be in a position to repudiate that portion 6f the Boxer indemnity which Germany now exacts from her at the rate of .£'2ooo a day, and defer repayment of !oa"us from Germany which she at present pays off at the rate of ,£4(100 a day. Conversations are in progress between Allied diplomats and tho Chinese Government with a view of the suspension of the Boxer indemnities due to the Allies, which ! amounts to over AOOA.OOfI annually. It is not known what steps are being taken with reference to the repayment of prewar loans from tho Allies. The Chinese maritime Customs' aro hypothecated to the various Powers as security for the .£57,000,000 Boxed indemnity and interest, and it is reported that the Allies will favourably reconsider a revision of the- tariff which China has sought for many years past. Under the above arrangements, China will be assisted financially to develop her resources and reorganise tho country generally. These are now delayed for want of funds. The advancement of China will be the iesuit, and her trading, industrial, nnd other facilities will be a source of mormons wealth to herself and friendly Powers. Moreover, she will attain the status iif an independent Power. My purpose in ventilating the above is to obtain-some recognition of ivhat China is doing towards winning the war, and also to protest against the conduct of a certain element of the community that apparently will do nothing tl-eir.-selves to aid -its Empire in its hour of peril, but ridicule those who try to do their "bit."—l am, etc., TIIOS. C. TING. Wellington, July 2.