CHINESE TROUBLE

Hokitika Guardian, 10 January 1927, Page 3

CHINESE TROUBLE

[Australia & N.Z. Cable Association

TRAMPLING ON THE LION. (Received this day at 0.30 a.in.) SHANGHAI, Jan. 9. Passengers arriving from Kiukiilng State that the Kuoinintung flag was hoisted over the British Consulate f there. The Consul is aboard H.M.S. AYyvern. The Hankow situation is declared unable to become worse. The principal British building is already looted, living Soviet flags and being used as the headquarters of the Labour Unions and agitators. Refugees state youthful Cantonese soldiers hurst into their homes and out the inmates, even babies in arms, placed red seals on the doors atnl refused to allow possessions to he taften. It is stated the Chinese arc no 4 content with the recovery of the X, concessions, hot want to expel every f ioreigner from China. They are supported in this by the military, who declared they are able and willing to control the situation, and are assisting in the demonstrations.

PREDICTIONS OF EXTENSION. According to predictions the entire Valley will be influenced bv Hangow events. The present wave of anti-Foreignism violence will not ecifco until reaching Shanghai, but there it is ■fit expected to reach Hankow proportions, the stabilising influence being that “Governor Sunehu'anljang, 'tin* Anti-rod Commander is now blocking the advance, ouo hundred miles west of Shanghai. He is at present holding his own and before be is defeated, leaving Shanghai open to the Cantonese entry, it is Ijclieved the Powers will have arrived at au arrangement. American sentiment hitherto favouring non interference is now stirred by Hankow events. There are signs that Chinese Extre-

mists, throughout the country becomL ing intoxicated with the success at Tientsin, Peking’s port, anti-red controlled, is showing W signs of imitating Hankow. Similar reports elsewhere are suggesting a second Boxer rising is expected, unless the Powers reach an understanding immediately. Britain will he blamed for inaction. She has long been the scapegoat. Other Powers are now realising they are equally affected. Only a concerted demonstration is required to restore order; bloodshed is unnecessary for purging Kiukiarig events. 'When two blanks were fired by a gunboat, in response to a Consulate signal, the mob fled in terror. Yesterday’s refugees include many missionaries, interceding for hundreds of missionaries and others ajf. Killing, who are cut off from escape by Kiukiang events. Definite action by the Powefs is not expected. Until it is possible that interior residents have reached safety, the Powers fearing reprisals. but intervention appears inevitable.

REFUGEES FROM HANKOW. (Received this day at 11 0 a.m.) SHANGHAI, Jan. 8. Ships are arriving from Hankow arid are filled with refugees. All speak in high terms of. praise of the restraint Jawl forbearance of the British marines under prolonged provocation. All Hong Kong hank securities were removed from Hankow. Advices, dated Hankow 7th., state n steamer left for Shanghai the previous night carrying evacuated American women and children. All administrative offices in the British concession ail, now in the hands of the Chinese, ivno control the police and the muni cipal buildings. The Ministry of For I eign Affairs assured the safety of all foreigners. Advices, of the same date from Japanese sources, at Kinkiunge state that Chinese crowds occupied municipal buildings, and premises of British and private residences. The efforts of the Chinese troops to preserve pence and order appear unsuccessful and the British concession is endangered. Though the Japanese residents are at present safe, fears for the future nre entertained. Customs officers took refuge on the American warship. TOKIO, Jan. 8. The morning papers, further comment unfavourably on the British memorandum. Britain’s attempt to court Chinese favour will most probably fail, is the verdict of Chugai, which reflects the at>titude of tho Japanese press. As a whole “Chugai’’ considers the proposals dictated by selfish motives, which besides being unfair to other powers are transparently insincere, and likely to harm rather than to improve the British relations with China. TOKIO, Jan. 8. An impression is growing here in both the Japanese and foreign diplomatic circles that America is about to sever diplomatic relations with China, adopting the same attitude, regarding treateis debts and obligations, as in the ese of Russia. The Foreign Office intimates that Japan waits the American x attitude before answering the British memorandum. Although Washington’s position is unlikely to be definable before the return of the American Minister for China, who is expected hero on the 24th. on route to America. While here he will consult Shideharn.