THE POSITION IN CHINA

Hokitika Guardian, 7 November 1923, Page 2

THE POSITION IN CHINA

[“The Times” Service.! (Received this day at 10.23 a.in.) LONDON, November (i. The ‘‘Times” Pekin correspondent paints an appealing picture of the brigandage, murder and outin go which is proceeding at present in China. He says that if the foreign powers wish to make an impression they mist address themselves to the military Governments "ho alone are able to ileal with the situation : but it they merely warn or threaten, the military governors "ill not' make good their words and the position of the foreigner "ill surely become worse. Nor "ill it he possible to coerce the military governors to do their duty without the empl moot- of substantial forces. Before such n policy is undertaken, the powers must be prepared for intervention on it setiotis scale for it would not be practicable to operate in the interior of difficult country without proper military precautions. Obviously, the question is. first, whether positive intervention is necessary'and second, whether the powers are prepared to early it through. Ike alternative is the reinforcement of foreign garrisons. JAPANESE INSURANCE PROBLEM. (Received this day at 10.-13 a.in.) ‘ TOEIO, Nov. 3. The insurance problem is still unsettled. The O-aka companies have been holding out but it is now reported that only one company stand* in the wav of a settlement. In Tokin alone the losses on property; covered hv general insurance policies are two hundred millions but almost all these policies have reservation clauses against all earthquake and fires lollow. ing an earthquake and such events, under the general heading ot the acts ot God

The branches ~f twenty-eight foreign companies have been instructed that their bead offices cannot recognise contraditional liability for damages not can they make any payment whatever apart from the terms of the policic-. Public opinion, however, has risen so ’•bdi in favour of those insured that most Japanese companies have announced their willingness to make as much sacrifice as their funds will permit, provided such a course "ill nor endanger their business and the Government will assist them to continue operations.