CHINESE TROUBLE.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 February 1927, Page 2

CHINESE TROUBLE.

[BY TELEGRAPH —PER TRESS ASSOCIATION.]

CHANG TSO LIN

LONDON, February 3.

The British United Press has received the following message from Chang Tso Lin (the North China miltiary head):—“The object of the present expedition is to combat and to eliminate Bolshevism which is harmful and dangerous to the world. 1 have been cooperating with Marshal Mu Pei I’u all along. Although lie has been unable to make any headway at Chenchovv, our troops will continue to fight Bolshevism to the end.” 100 TA NK S FOR ASI AT ICS. LONDON, February 3. “ Vickers Company are constructing one hundred tanks of a new design for the Japanese Government and for the Northern Army in China. It is expecttliat they will lie completed, in a few weeks.” says the “ Morning Post,” which adds: "The Japanese Government as worked in close alliance during the last few years with Chang Tso Lin the head of the Northern forces in China, These new tanks will even travel upside down the crew being seated on swivel seats, so that they will not he effected when the tanks overturn.”

MILITARY ACTION DENIED. LONDON, February 3. Official circles here emphasise the view that there is not the least foundation for Mr Eugene Chen’s accusation that the despatch of the British forces lias produced conditions under which he is being asked asked to negotiate “with a revolver at his head.” Britain, it is stated, has not taken and does not intend to take, any military steps whatever against cither the Peking or the Cantonese Governments. It is recognised that the Cantonese Government does not contemplate an attempt to capture Shanghai by force. In view of events at Hankow, and of tl’.e looting of Kiukiang. however, it is pointed out that neither Britain nor anyone else can he satisfied that the Cantonese, are capable of preventing disorders, or even public massacres at Shanghai.

Official circles add: “We could at Hankow give the Cantonese a chalice of proving their ability in maintaining order, because in the event of failure, we could rapidly evacuate that city, hut at Shanghai, the position is quit 0 different. There are eight thousand British people there, who could not be safely evacuated from a population of a million and a-lialf Chinese, if antiBritish feeling, of which there is already plenty of evidence, were fomented and great masses of Chinese ran amok. In view of these risks no British government of whatever complexion, dare risk beiiui unready to defend her nation’s lives. \Vc are pledged to protect these lives, and we are determined to do so, whatever My Chen might do.”

UNOFFICIAL INFORMATION. LONDON, February 3,

Unofficial circles here do not expect that Mr Eugene Chen will maintain las protest to the extent of finally breaking down CjU negotiations. If he does, it is thought that the only possible conclusion will he that lie is no longer a free agent, but a mere puppet of Moscow.

CHEN’S APPEAL. LONDON, February 2

Chen lias cabled to the Labourites in response to their message to hint cabled on January 2Gth, emphasising that the Canton Nationalist Government’s desire for a peaceful settlement of both the Hankow concession and of other issues.

He states: “In pursuing the policy of diplomacy and peace, wo rely on British Labour to assist in controlling the. British Government’s adventurous elements, and in averting any decisions tor action which will dig deep into the Chinese Nationalists’ minds an enduring resentment and hostility towards Britain.”

BRITISH TERMS. LONDON. February 3

The Foreign Office has issued the full text of Britain’s terms to the North China and the Canton Governments. 11l addition to the proposals mentioned on December 29th, Britain indicated that slip was prepared:— (1) To recognise the validity of a reasonable Chinese Nationality law.

(2) To accept the principle that British missionaries should no longer claim the right to purchase land. (3) That Chinese converts should look for protection to Chinese law. and not to treaties.

claim tne rignt to purenasc mini. (3) That Chinese converts should look for protection to Chinese law. and not to treaties. (4‘ That all missioanry, educational and medical institutions should conform to Chinese regulations. CHEN’S PEACE OFFER. LONDON. February 2. Tn his reply to British Labourites. Mr Eugene Chen states:—“l have sought to arrange settlement at Hankow—apart from the general issues of Chinese Nationalism and British Imperialism—which should satisfy British sentiment and preserve Nationalist self-respect. Ruth a settlement can he reached immediately, if only there is a cessation of the war atmosphere. There is a war neurosis, duo to the menacing and concentration at Shanghai of the most powerful forces which Britain has massed in China since the Opium AVars.” “If the object of these warlike measures is merely to guard against British lives and property being jeopardised by a Chinese seizure of the Foreign Settlement, in Shanghai, there ought no longer to he any anxiety thereon, in view of the statement which' I have made to AL- O’Malley.” “If the massing of these forces is an expression of the type of governing mind that feeds on the bodies of slaughtered men, then it is to he feared that the disablement of British trade may have to continue until British Labour is entrusted with the task of arresting the British decline in the Far East, and of substituting statesmanship, peace and productive work for Tory Imperialism, war and Byzantine glory.”

A .MOSCOW VIE AY AIORCOAY. February 2.

The newspaper “ Investia ” re-eches the remark of .Mr Chen in saving that Sir Austen Chamberlain’s programme, although it is not one satisfying all the demands, might have been considered if it had not been accompanied hv the despatch of warships and troops.

MUSSOLINI BACKS BRITAIN. ROME, February 2. Inspired press opinion here indicates that Itnlv will support the British policy in China. FRANCE’S INTEREST. PARIS. February 2. “Bolshevist influence in the Kuomintang Party appears to lie waning.” declared M. Albert Milhaud, when addressing the Foreign Affairs Committee of the French Chandler of Deputies, and analysing the attitude of the Powers. Tic’ said that Britain sought to continue her traditional policy with the Government of North China, while she was negotiating with the Southern Government in order to safeguard her important interests. Japan and France were inclined to await the unification

1 of China, hut the Chinese seemed more j concerned to ensure their independence as regards the foreigners than to reestablish a unity of the old Empire. M. Milhaud questioned whether it would really lie to France’s interest to wai until the other Powers were entering negotiations.