CHINESE CRISIS

Gisborne Times, Volume LXV, Issue 10320, 1 February 1927, Page 5

CHINESE CRISIS

SiCNE LABOR’S VIEW

WARNING TO OPPOSITION LEADERS

V - DANGER LIES IN TALK OP “Last word”

SITUATION TOO DELICATE AND TOO SERIOUS.

tUnited Assn.—Copvright.) (Received Jan. 31. 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, Jan. 31.

Mr J. H. Thomas, speaking at Newton Abbot, said that wars in the past had often been started b> incidents over which no one in particular had any control. It must be hoped notwithstanding the sending of troops to China that no. unforeseen incident would precipitate a war. This was not an occasion when any leader of the Opposition should take advantage of the situation with a view to exploiting the sins of the Government. A challenge to the Government might be appreciated at Home, but it might precipitate a grave international crisis abroad. The Chinese difficulty was not new. it was the inevitable consequence of the growth of Chinese thought, the development of civilisation, and the demand for emancipation, and the facts must be faced. The situation wajj capable of adjustment. The only danger lay in the event of either party starting talk about “This is the last- word.” The situation was too delicate and too serious for that. Personally, he could quite understand apprehension, even resentment, against the embarkation of troops, but he did not subscribe to that view He thought it was for the Government of the day, with fuller knowledge and responsibility, to determine the necssity if the troops had to be sent to protect our nationals. Personally, he 'preferred that a big army should be sent, rather than a handful. A large force was likely to be protection and prevent war. We could not afford to ignore trade with China, and would suffer very much if we lost it.”—A. and N.Z.C.A (Received Jan. 31, 8.50 p.m ) LONDON, Jan. 30. Newspapers commend the tone and substance of Sir A. Chamberlain s Birmingham speech also the courage shown by Mr Thomas in voicing the opinion of moderate Labor on the China problem.—A.N.Z.C.A.

AMERICA REASSURED BY BRITISH POLICY.

HOPES THAT. FORCE MAY BE

AVOIDED

(Received Jan. 31, 11.30 p.m.) WASHINGTON, Jan. 31. Views are generally expressed in official quarters that Sir A. Chamberlain’s statement goes as far as the British can reasonably be expected to go even by the Cantonese authorities, and his action is strongly commended. . . The outline of the British position is considered reassuring, and one that would disarm much of the anti-Bri-tish feeling. Official and diplomatic circles in Washington, therefore, are looking with renewed hope on the Chinese 1 situation. It is felt the Powers may be able now to avoid the use of force in the* protection of their nationals. —A.N.Z.C.A.