CHINESE TURMOIL.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 June 1925, Page 2

CHINESE TURMOIL.

[Reuter Telegrams.] DISCUSSED BV COMMONS. LONDON', June 19. A debate in the House of Commons on Shanghai was opened by the Right Hon. C. P. Trevelyan (Lab.) who stressed the alarming condition of China. He agreed that it was the elementary duty of die Government to protect the lives of fellow citizens, in which connection he promised Labour support, hut he contended that the origin of the trouble was industrial, while the climax came through unjustifiable shooting. fie asserted that the British Government were using their forces to hack it]) capitalistic exploitation. Mr Chanihrlain. replying, admitted that the industrial conditions were not ideal and said that the British Government was doing, and had always done, its best to effect improvement. The trouble was really much deeper seated. He referred to the dissatisfaction and discontent of the almost incoherent and the govornmoutless congeries of countries forming the Chinese Empire. which, notwithstanding the goodwill and international co-operation prontisd by the- Washington Conference, prevented the Powers doing little more than stand and wait. He denied that ihe order to lire was given precipitately. Oil the contrary, lie said, action was not taken until the police station was endangered, with the arms it contained. Mr Chamlierlain declared that the Government was anxious to do its utmost to facilitate the stabilisation of the country and proposed to consult with the other Powers to facilitate the most prompt convocation of the Chinese tariff conference as foreshadowed at Washington. He hoped with the goodwill ol the Powers ami China, that they would he able to pilot the country through the transition period and re-establish government on linn foundations ol equity and justice.

Answering a question: “What is the IJritidi Government going to do?” Mr Chamberlain said that in common with other Powers interested the British Govrnment would protect the lives and properly of the British subjects in China and hold the Chinese Government responsible for all injuries and damage wantonly inllicted, either on British subjects or British property. There could he no weakness or hesitation. It was the fundamental duty of every British Government, which any British Government must discharge. It was not a remedy for the situation, hut it was a necessity arising out of tlie outrages which had occurred. CHINESE UNREST'. PEKING. June ID. Idm tig .Students are promoting an-ti-foreign strikes. Knikiaiig. Keeling and Chinkiaug are quiet. Nanking position is unecri ain, Min h .-uppn -s----ed excitement neces-italcs continued precautions. Considerable unrest is jeopardising the position ol AngloAmericans and Jup-.illo . R. ports from Hankow state Chinese authnrilics in Hiingkiang allowed striker.) '•: get, out of hand. Many foreigners took refuge in gunboats. foreign telegrams from Hankow speak ol the riots in C'liungkiang on Wednesday as though the acute trouble had passed mill tlic absence of further information from Chungkiang naval division endorse- this view.