CHINESE TROUBLE.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 February 1927, Page 3

CHINESE TROUBLE.

[by TELEGRAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION

OFFICIAL OPINION. LONDON Feb. 2

It is untrue to say that negotiations at Hankow have broken down. They are broken off as tho agreement previously being discussed has taken a new turn. Chen’s protest against the despatch of troops brings to the torefront tho conversations with O’Malley on the question of defence of our nationals in Shanghai. This is how official circles Interpret Chen’s latest move. It is learned that there is not the least likelihood of any modification of Britain's determination to defend her citizens in Shanghai. There cannot he any question of stopping or turning hack military forces. Official circles do not expect that Chen will maintain liis protest.

A SUGGESTED HALTING. LONDON, Eeb. 3

Interest in the Chinese situation is centred to-day in a. rumour that Cabinet to-morrow will consider halting troopships at Honn Kong* to overcome Chen’s objection to negotiate while Britain is concentrating troops i” Chinese territory. Colour is given to this possibility by a report that the Frst Snffolks, Pioneers of Shanghai defence force arc disembarking at Hong Kong to-morrow. In support of this policy it is contended that if lamlod at Hong Kong the troops will only he a few hours sail from Shanghai, and Britain will be in no worse a position than Japan, while if a sudden crisis arose, aircraft could bo quickly on the spot from Hong Kong. A Labour joint council, headed by McDonald, Thomas and Henderson had a lengthy interview; with Sir A. Chamberlain at the Foreign Office. Mr Baldwin was present. The delegates later addressed a joint council which is resuming discussion to-morrow.