AFFAIRS IN CHINA.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 131, 13 June 1901, Page 2

AFFAIRS IN CHINA.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, Juno 11.

The Times states that it is unablo to understand why German troops should remain at Shanghai unless it is intonded as a stopping-stono for political claims which aro wholly inadmissablo. Sir Alfred Gaselee’s report shows that tho affray at Tientsin originated in tho French soldiers’ rcsonfcment of tho action of tho British military police in closing a, disorderly house. Tho German and Japanese military police behaved well. A court of inquiry into tho mattor will boheld. Ho commented on tho forbearanco of the British, who only aotod in> self-defenco.

Germany leaves 8600 troops in Chinay chiefly at Tientsin, and 800 and a battery at Shanghai

London, Juno 12.

In the House of Commons Lord Crairborne stated that Germany, in September, landed troops at Shanghai to asssist in keeping order. It is understood that it is intended to maintain the garrison, at any rate for the present. Ho was unaware whether any explanation had been furnishod the British as to Germany’s intentions.

The- House received tho last sentence in dead silence.

Lord Cranborne, replying to a deputation representing Chambers of Commcrco, said that tho enterprise of tradors was prerequisite to the maintenance of commercial ascendancy in China. Great Britain was securing full opportunities. Ono thing to avoid was international swagger. Great Britain’s well-defined treaty right would bo pressed courteously, but firmly. Tho watchers of the recent relations with Eussia had seen them pressed with no small success.

Beuter’s Pekin correspondent states that the day after tolegraphing tho edict' ordering all archives to be destroyed tho Imperial library in the Forbidden City was set on fire. Li Hung Chang in tho meantime denied receiving a telegram conveying the edict. Mr Eochhill, actingAmorican Minister, however, possesses a translation thereof.