CHINESE PROTEST.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 December 1923, Page 2

CHINESE PROTEST.

AUSTRALIAN AN'l) N.Z. CARLE ASSOCIATION. HONGKONG, Dec. 20. Dr Sun Yat Sen has telegraphed to Mr Ramsay MacDonald, British Labour Loader, asking him to bring to the notice of the British people, and particularly the workers, the grave situation which His Majesty King George’s representative in China lias been mainly instrumental in creating at Canton. "My Government." says Dr Sen, “is threatened with acts ol war hv an international force ol nearly a score of cruisers and gunboats. Armed soldiers have already l>oen landed at Sh am con. This is the work of the diplomatic body at Pekin. It is taken at the instance of the British Minister, and on the advice of the senior British Consul at Canton, who is Ill’s Majesty’s ConsulGeneral and is an Inspector-General of the Chinese Maritime Customs and who is a British National.’ Dr Sun Yat Sen also reminds Mr Mae Donald “that China, which is admittedly one of the richest markets tor British goods cannot he secured by this gunboat policy of the old diplomacy, though it can ho won by a policy aiming at the capture of Chinese goodwill.” PEKIN, Dec. 20. A Canton telegram says that placards are now appearing in the streets, urging an anti-British and anti-Ameri-can boycott. Other placards appeal to the Chinese people to unite to secure a customs surplus, in order to save the Chinese nation.

DEMAND FOR CHINESE CUSTOMS. HONGKONG, Dec. 21. Advices from Canton stale that numerous street placards urge a against the British and Americans. Other placards ask the people to unite to gain for Kwantung a customs surplus in order to save the Chinese nation. Oilier messages from Canton indicate that factional affairs in China are rapidly approaching another crisis. This time ihe position is aggravated b.v internal mutinies and disalfcctions. Thus fighting has occurred between the Kwaugsi's troops and Dr Sun Yat Sen’s troops, both being nominally united to defend the city against the assaults of the northern leader Cheuehiungming. The nature of the differences which have caused the clash are not yet learned. Meanwhile the local conditions are unsettled.

Dr Sun Yat Sen, following on his appeal to Mr Ramsay MacDonald, base presented an ultimatum that Hip surplus Cantonese customs that have accrued since March 20th, 1!)20, he turned over to his Govern.meiit, failing which he thraotened to appoint new Customs officials, wlio will recognise his authority, and will execute his wishes.

A BRITISH REPORT. LONDON, Dec. 22. ‘‘Tin* Time’s” Pekin correspondent writes :-—‘'There is urgent need for an international consultation regarding the situation in China. This is becoming more and more manifest, owing to traffic in foreign war material, which continues to he imported largely, and apparently without restriction. Arms are the curse of China. They make possible the creation of superfluous armies, which are bringing political and economical ruin to the country. It is notorious that arms and war material are pouring into China, some smuggled hut most openly consigned to the military governors, who compel their entrance through the customs. The traffic can only he stopped if shipments are prevented from the country of origin. This Britain is now doing. The result is that British arms dealers arc losing the orders, which are being carried out by other nationals, whose Governments are equally pledged to prevention. The latest instance is 12 bomb-carrying aeroplanes, shipped from France, and delivered at Mukden, whore a great arsenal is fitted up oil modern lines, turning out artillery from material all of which has been supplied from abroad. Another arsenal is working in Canton. Dr Sun Yat Sen recently received a consignment of American aeroplanes. These preparations are occurring under the noses of the Powers. The consequences to foreigners and foreign interests, as well as to Chinese people, can be judged, when aeroplanes, bombs and gas come to be used by unskilled or irresponsible Chinese. The Chinese armies have an ambition that, if forced to take the field they shall he moderuly equipped. Foreign skins will assuredly suffer, since, in comparison with the new Chinese forces, the few foreign troops in North China are armed with little hotter than hows and arrows.”