No New Development

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, Issue 57, 18 February 1927, Page 5

No New Development

In Hankow Negotiations

CONSIDERATION OF CHEN S DEMANDS

Large Questions of Policy

IBv Cable—Pre.* Copyright.]

(Received 18, 10.20 a.m.) London, Feb. 17. The Foreign Office reports no new developments in the Hankow negotiations, beyond the fact that Sir Austen Chamberlain is consulting Sir Miles Lampson at Pekin before replying to Chen’s latest demands. Well-informed circles agree that these raise large questions of policy, such as Chen’s desire for recognition as spokesman for the whole of China and the further attempt to modify .ritain’s determination to have forces ready on the spot to meet eventualities at Shanghai. The Chinese commercial bodies' resolutions against our military steps 'are aimed at strengthening Chen’s renewed protest, but there is not the least likelihood that the decision to defend British nationals will, in any way, be altered. Official circles point out that Chen did not allow, and is not likely to allow, his objections to the despatch troops to interfere with the negotiations with Mr. O'Mallley for a purely local trading agreement at Hankow.—(A. and N.Z.) THIRD CHEKIANG ARMY. JOINS THE SOUTHERNERS. (Received 18, 9.30 a.m.) Shanghai, Feb. 17. Pei Pao-san, one of Sun Chuanfang’s principal generals in the Chekiang province, has taken his men to Anhwei province (to the west of Shanghai), waiting to see which side wins. it is reported that the third Chekiang army has gone over to the southern faction. There has been much looting by retreating troops and some civilians live been shot. IMPATIENCE WITH CHEN. TIME LIMIT SHOULD BE GIVEN. (Received 18, 11.25 a.m.) London, Feb. 17. Signs are not wanting that impatience with Chen’s vaccilations is spreading to Conservative members of the House of Commons, and some are already suggesting that a time limit should be given Chen in which to sign, but responsible quarters are making allowance for the Orientals' love of procrastination and maintain an attitude of unshaken patience in the belief that it will win through eventually.

Meanwhile, some confirmation ha* been received of the Cantonese military successes which may be partly responsible for Chen’s latest intransigeance. Though the fall of Hangchow » reported, British interests there are negligible and the capture of the town is only important as being a big step towards Shanghai. Though the Cantonese may ultimately encircle Shanghai, there is not the least fear here that Chen will depart from his previous declaration that he will, in no circumstances, attempt to take Shanghai by force—(A. and N.Z.) .... FALL OF HANGCHOW .... REPORTED. SUN’S TROOPS RETREATING. Shanghai, Feb. 17. Reliable reports state that Hangchow was captured by the Cantonese and that Sun Chuan-fang is retreating northward. A number of bis forces at Ningpo were surrounded but escaped seaward, where they commandeered three ships. Sun Chuan-fang is forced to make his last line of defence at Sunkiang, 40 miles from Shanghai. The Shanghai-Hangchow railway has suspended the passenger service. It is understood this is due to the concentration of rolling stock at Handchow 'in view of the possibility of Sun Chuan-fang’s troops falling back on Shanghai.—(A. and N.Z.) CHEN’S NEW POINTS. IS HE PLAYING FOR TIME? London, Feb. 17. The “Daily Express’’ states that its opinion is that Chep is simply raising new points in order to delay the signing of the agreement, and adds that this may soon be put to the test in a manner that will set all doubt* at rest.—(A. and N.Z.) AMERICAN .MARINES ARRIVING AT SHANGHAI. (Received 18, 11,25 a.m.) Shanghai, Feb. 17. American naval authorities learn that the transport Chaumont, which left San Diego for an unknown destination a week ago, is coming here with 1200 marines.

The Second Suffolks are embarking at Hongkong for Shanghai tomorrow.—(A and N.Z.)