BRITISH PRESTIGE IN CHINA.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 28 November 1901, Page 4

BRITISH PRESTIGE IN CHINA.

Xow that affairs in the Far East are once more claiming the attention of the world, it is interesting to hear the views of an experienced soldier like General Gaselee upon the recent trouble in China. General Gaselee, who has been in cornman 1 of the British troops in China, has been awarded a year’s leave and is now back in England. For his excellent work in China he has been promoted to the raok of Major-General, the promotion to date from July 3rd, 1900. To a “Daily Mail’’ interviewer the General declared that British presage in China had not been in any way lowered. “ The situation,’’ he said,” was a most difficult one all the way through, but in my opinion we came out of it very well. One result of the war is that the people of this country, as well as the British colony in Shanghai, must recognise that not only Great Britain, but America, Germany, and Japan, must have a share in the trade of China in the future.” General Gaselee believes that the Pekin expedition did a good deal towards fostering the good feeling between the American and British armies “The two forces,” ho remarked, “were on the best of terms, from General to privates in the ranks.” He lays a stress on the necessity for united action by Great Britain and America as an essential clement in the maintenance of int rnational peace. The General praises the campaigning qualities of the American troops, and the efficiency of their commissariat and hospital service. He “formed the highest opinion of the Japanese army, and gained a high regard for the French troops,” over which it will be remembered General Waldersee waxed so enthusiastic. For the British troops under his command in China, General tiaselee had nothing but praise. “I can only say that I am as proud of them as it is possible for one to be.” The Indian contingent, in his opinion, was as fit and as good at the end of the China campaign as at the beginning. There was no sign of deterioration. Concerning the outlook in China the General said very little beyond remarking that his programme is being carried out by his successors. “The delay in evacuating Pekin,” he said, “was an exception, but was un - avoidable, and really unimportant.”