LABOR MANIFESTO

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

LABOR MANIFESTO

SENT TO CHEN AND. AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. LABORITES

MILITARY DEMONSTRATION IN CANTON DEPLORED. SIR. A. CHAMBERLAIN’S CONv GTLIATORY REPLY. , (Received Jan. 27, 7.25 p.m.) LONDON, Jan. 26. ; Ordering that copies be cabled to Chen and to the Australian and New Zealand Labor Parties, the National Joint Labor Council adopted a reso lution declaring: “The Labor move ment deplores the flaunted military demonstration against the Canton Government, because it may stir up panic and aggression on both sides, rendering inevitable the misfortunes it pretends to prevent; also that it is likely to thwart the policy of negotiation and an amicable settlement on the basis of the recognition of tho Chinese National Government British Laborites demand a patient and honest pursuit of peaceiul negotiations, freed from armed menace, for the ultimate abrogation of treaties and the immediate winding up of conditions depending upon the existence of treaties. We also send tho Chinese workers our sincere sympathies and support in their attempt to improve the economic position, and establish their country among the self-governing nations.” In a covering message to Chen, tho Labor Council state: “We are confident you will do everything to negotiate a settlement and prevent incidents giving an excuse for the use of military force.” The resolution was passed after a deputation had visited Sir Austen Chamberlain, who, replying to the Labor manifesto, recalled the Government’s pacific endeavors, and added: “It will he seen that the Uovrrnment has every desire for a friendly settlement. It is ready to make ’liberal concessions as foreshadowed in the British memorandum if the Chinese desire to conduct conversations, hut internal dissensions in China render the Government’s task difficult. Disorders resulting in civil war and dangers threatening foreigners engaged in legitimate n»aeeful pursuits, have obliged the Government to take the neeessnrv steps to discharge their primary dut.v to protect lives.”—A. and N.Z.C.A.

STATEMENT BY MR. KELT/JG

AMERICA’S PACIFIC POLICY. PROTECTION AND EQUALITY DEMANDED FOR NATIONALS. PREPARED TO DEAL WITH TREATIES IN LIBERAL SPIRIT. (Received Jan. 27, 10.55 p.m.) WASHINGTON, Jan. 27. The Government is ready to negotiate new treaties with China, acting independently of other Powers, but cannot abrogate the existing treaties until new ones are signed and ratified by the Senate. Meantime, it is holding naval forces available for Chinese waters to protect American life and property should the Chinese authorities fail to accord protection. This is the substance of an expression on the Chinese policy announced by Mr. Kel log yesterday. It asserts tiie United States’ sympathy wAh China’s Nationalistic awakening, and its strict neutrality between the Chinese factions. The United States Government desires to deal with China in “a most liberal spirit” regarding unequal treaties. All that is demanded for United States nationals in China is protection, equal treatment with other foreign nationals, and the right to pursue legitimate occupations without special privileges, monopolies or spheres of special interest. or influence. The only question is with whom to negotiate. If China can agree upon the appointment ot delegates representing the authorities or the people of the country the United States Government is prepared to negotiate such treaty. The statement does not develop any wide divergence of view from the attitude of the British Government expressed in the latter’s memorandum. It stresses, however, the tact that there are no United States concessions in China. President Coolidge let it be known in this respect that there is room for difference in the United States and British policy in dealing with the Chinese problem. —A. and N..C.A.

Xz. LEGION OF FRONTIERSMEN’S OFFER. TO BE HELD IN ABEYANCE. WELLINGTON, Jan. 29. Regarding the Legion of Frontiersmen’s offer "of 200 men for service in China, the acting-Premier, Mr. V . D. Stewart, has telegraphed follows to Lieut.-Colonel Claude f\ arson. of New Plymouth: “Many thanks for your’telegram asking rue to transmit* to the Imperial Government the offer of 200 trained Frontiersmen for service in China. I do not think the position has yet become sufficiently acute or critical to necessitate consideration of the despatch of New Zealand volunteers to Cluna unless requested to do so by the Imperial Government. I suggest that your generous offer be held in abeyance pending further developments. —P.A.

INQUIRIES IN CHRISTCHURCH

CHRISTCHURCH, Jan. 27. A few ex-service men have l iaae enquiries at the? Defence headquaiters, or have offered to enlist lor service in China. Some enquiries have come from men out cf work, but others from men in permanent well-paid positions.—P.A.