BOUND FOR CHINA

Gisborne Times, Volume LXV, Issue 10317, 28 January 1927, Page 5

BOUND FOR CHINA

DEPARTURE OF TROOPSHIP;

WONDERFUL DEMONSTRATION AT QUAYSIDE. MORE WARSHIPS ORDERED TO FAR EAST.. (United Press Assn.—Copyright.) LONDON, Jan. 26 The troopship Minnesota left at 9 a.m. She was accorded a rousing farewell, unparalleled even in the Great War. Friends ..and relatives of tlio departing marines thronged the quayside. Marines rushed down the gangways and hugged their wives oxsweethearts. Three bands played lively airs, the marines and those bidding them farewell roaring choruses.

Finally the- ship east off to the strains of “Auld Lang Syne,” when there was a wonderful demonstration with cheers' from the ship and counter-cheers from the quayside.— A. and N.Z.C.A.

It is learned that the Eighth Destroyer Flotilla will pi-obably leave for China on February 10.—A. and N.Z. iO.A.

The aircraft carrier Argus has been ordered to China.

MALTA, Jan. 26. The .destroyers Wanderer and Woolstan and gunboats Aphis and Ladybird and the hospital ship Maine are expected to leave for China on Februax-y I.—A. and N.Z. C.A.

TROOPS FROM INDIA. SECOND DU ILHAMS LEAVE CALCUTTA. ißeecivedJ an. 27, 8-5 p.n; ) DELHI, J ax.. 27. The Second Durliams embarked today at Calcutta for China. Two Indian battalions sail on Sunday.—Sun. NO FURTHER OFFICERS REQUIRED QUEUES AT RECRUITING OFFICES. (Received Jan. 27, 7.25 p.m.) LONDON, Jan. 26. The War Office announces that it has received hundreds of applications from ex-officers, and members of the reserve of officers for service in China but they are not required. The Army Medical Corps is despatching a general hospital field ambulance ancl a hygienic section tor the treatment of infectious diseases. The Marines’ Recruiting Office in Whitehall is besieged by applicants, ancl at the Army General Recruiting Office there is a queue of inquirers as in the early days of the Great War.—A. and N.Z.C.A.

BRITAIN’S ANXIETY TO PREVENT CONFLICT. OBJECT OF FORCES FOR CHINA. TO ASSURE SAFETY OF NATIONALS. LONDON, Jan. 26. “You cannot negotiate with a typhoon. You must secure safety for yourself and family till it blows out,” said Sir Thomas Inskip, speaking at Tipton. '‘When that happy dav comes the Government will be ready to begin negotiations, which Chen admits are preferable to war. Whether a responsible authority ordered the attack on the British at Hankow 1 do not know, but the manner in which the scriptural injunction to turn the other cheek to the smiter was obeyed proves the British anxiety to prevent a conflict of arms.

••The division going to Cliina is not designed, to co-opei’ate with .any Chinese faction to defend Chinese territory or the British concession. The sole purpose is to see that the 16,000 British men, women and children at Shanghai are as safe as they can be made.” —A. and N.Z.C.A.

REASON FOR BRITAIN’S PRE- - PARATIONS. DUE TO GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION, (Received Jan. 27, 9.20 p.m.) LONDON, Jan. 27. v it is officially emphasised that Mr O'Malley has not- submitted new proposals in accordance with the British memorandum. The same sources reiterate that Britain's lone hand military precautions are more apparent than real, and are due entirely to her geographical position necessitating the despatch ci troops long before the absolute necessity therelor has arisen. Japan can sen'll forces at the last minute. Even France lias forces available in Annan, but in view m British lives in China and the vasiness of our interests, Britain must have forces ready on the spot in, the event of developments, though these at present are not anticipated.—A. and N.Z.C.A.

LITTLE HOPE'OF LEAGUE INTERVENTION. TROUBLE DUE TO DOMESTIC INSTABILITY. LONDON, Jan. 26. Diplomatists and Parliamentarians are discussing the possibility of the League of Nations acting in the Chinese difficulty, but in well-iniorm-ed circles it is. pointed out there is little hope of such an eventuality until there is one consolidated recognised Chinese Government. The present problems largely arise from internal domestic instability. Even if action were taken under Article 11 it would require the Council's unanimity, but if the Powers involved directly and indirectly were eliminated little San Salvador would remain the only deliberative member of the Council, further lack of unity among the Powers does not augur for unanimity in the League, nor is there a certainty whom China’s delegate on the Council represents. . -The chief hope lies in Britain’s precise proposals being communicated to Pekin; then expounded at Geneva with a chance of inducing an international agreement.—A. and N.Z. O.A. (Received Jan. 27, 9.20 p.m.) LONDON, Jan. 27. Viscount Cecil, in a speech at Trowbridge, dealt with the question on these lines. He said none more desired the removal of the trouble to the judicial atmosphere of the League, but how were they to do Rr The only hope would be if the Cantonese themselves desired it. Then they -were not sure whether the Cantonese represented a Government or not but Britain would not raise meticulous objections.—A.N.Z.C.A.

“PURE PROPAGANDA.” COMBINED DEMONSTRATION AT Ha ' )W. JAPAN DENIED REPORT. TOKYO, Jan. 26. Japanese officials denounce as pure propaganda the cabled reports that Britain, Japan and America are co-operating in a military and naval demonstration against the Hankow Government. The authorities assert that Japan declined to associate with Britain in demonstrating force because she considers it premature and liable to react seriously against the participants’ interests and future influence. , The Japanese Naval Department, has despatched four destroyers for natrol of the Yangtzse, with positive orders not to land troops.—A. and N.Z.C.A. : -