The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, JANUARY 25, 1927. THE SITUATION IN CHINA.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 January 1927, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, JANUARY 25, 1927. THE SITUATION IN CHINA.

Thu trend of events in China are in the direction of a conflict. But it may be more a case of being forearmed. Britain began on her own, but now has promises of support from Japan, America and France. The moral effect of

this is the most important aspect. Britain after her complacent evacuation of Hankow was thought to In- unduly forhearing. But .Ministers who have spoken recently, have indicated Hint forbearance must not be taken for weakness. As a further guarantee for that 'statement, the British Navy is now on the move, while Marines are being strengthened for possible service abroad. Already at Shanghai there is a formidable naval force of international origin. Shanghai is considered the real danger point, and it is in that quarter where there will be an international clash if the Chinese are foolish enough to force a conflict. .Meanwhile the peaceful attitude of Britain is being stressed, so long as the British interests are not. affected. It has been manilest all along, that Britain was seeking merely to maintain peace in the interests of progress and trade. But the Chinese, prompted by Soviet interests are endeavouring to aggravate the situation. Ample warning has been given thin, there is a limit to the temporising that Britain will affect for peace sake. British lives and British trading interests are so interlocked in China and the tension is growing so acute, that at any moment there may be a conflict. The world does not wish to see another war, however remote, started. Were China under any form of stable government tlie League of Nations could have slipped in effectively and adjusted matters by some form of compromise on fair-play lines. But China- is so torn asunder by rebellion and revolution, and some of the forces are so directed by Russian influences, that with the absence of a stable authority there is no human power in China with whom final negotiations may he concluded. Tlie Chinese, however, will realise what the display of naval force at Shanghai moans. And they will know of the hurrying squadrons and troopships now on the way to Chinese waters. This knowledge may have an arresting effect and prevent any serious conflict of arms, but there is no security of any peace being, guaranteed, and tbe only peace will lie one kept by the presence of might and power to defend the rights of the nationals concerned. Matters must clear a good deal before peace in China and trade as usual will lie within real sight.