CHINESE TROUBLE

Hokitika Guardian, 5 February 1927, Page 3

CHINESE TROUBLE

[by tki.kgb ,vrn —cm press association

MR O'M ALLEY. SHAXG lIA r. Feb. 2. Air O’Alalley communicating proposals to Cben pointed out when a .settlement is reached in Hankow and Kinitially concession by negotiation, liiitain would bo prepared to accede al least part of the nationalists desires. view of rosrnox. SHANGHAI. Feb. .‘I. Hankow is outwardly calm, despite tbo abrupt termination of negotiations on which all hopes Tor an amicable settlement had been pinned lor three weeks. Chen’s declaration is reyarded as a confession of failure to win over the extremists to the moderate view, while it is recognised tll'it llritain is scarcel.vljikely to withdraw from the position ttfften up in regard to the despatch of troops. A possible solution of the present deadlock is seen in the suggestion which is finding favour in many quarters that the expedition should not proceed further than Hongkong. This it is pointed out, would save faces all round, without endangering the British position at Shanghai and at the same time give Chen and the, moderates a chance to mnko a final bid for reasonableness on the part of the hitherto irrccoiicibibles in Kuorningtang. Tt is also felt that Britain’s ease would be made clearer and stronger if a text draft agreement were published.

OFF TO SHANGHAI. SINGAPORE. Feb. 11

Tho First Cruiser Squadron and Second Battalion of Durhams have left, for Shanghai.

shanghai populac e fears LONDON. Feb. 3.

The “Daily Express” Shanghai correspondent, in a special cable message, states: “The earth tremors at Shanghai, coming at the period of the Xew Year celebrations, have thrown superstitious Chinese into a state of consternation. These earth manifestations are regarded as foreshadowing a change of the Chinese Dynasty, and a serious misfortune to the country. This, with the British troops steaming to China, and the country in the throes of civil war ,causes the Chinese to fear that they are on the eve of a terrible calamity. Almost ''immediately after the second shock, a Xew Year fireworks display from thousands' of sampans lying at Whungpoo, which hail been kept tip incessantly for two days, came to an abrupt end, and the river became ns silent as death. The general atmosphere at Shanghai, which at present is without newspapers, and with rumour running riot, is tenser than at any time since the events at Hankow.”

BRITAIN AND RUSSIA. LONDON, Feb. 4.

Reports are being circulated in 'Russian circles in London that the British Government is contemplating the abrogation of the Anglo-Russian trade agreement, in view of Russian interest in the affairs of the Government of Southern China, but no confirmation of these reports is obtainable in authoritative British circles.

PRAYERS FOR PEACE. LONDON. Feb. 3.

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York, and the President of the National Council of the Evangelical Free Churches, urge all the clergy to hold special intercession services on Sunday next, February 6th. for a peaceful and honourable settlement of the AngloOli i nesc d i IFere iiocs.

LABOUR MESSAGE. LONDON, February -1

r I lie National Joint Labour Council telegraphed to Eugene Chen expressing gratification at his assurance that their message enabled a continuation of negotiations, which the Labour Party firmly supports, and hopes the parties concerned will make possible.

ITALIAN SUPPORT. ROME, February J

It is reported tiiiit Italy has sent a note to the British Government endorsing the latter's Chinese policy, maintaining the rights of the Powers to defend their interests in China.

JAPANESE IMENTIONS

TOKYO, February -I

The Forein Office is now considering the Peking draft treaty, in which China frankly sets out her desires regarding future relations. It is understood the Governments regards the draft as wholly negotiable. China’s proposals are drastic, nevertheless there is reason to believe they will be generally acceptance. The final decision depends on the outcome of the Anglo-Sino situation. Well-informed circles now fear complications at Shanghai, pointing out simultaneously that United China protests received from Pekingfi Shanghai and Hankow against the British defence, forces. Notwithstanding the pro-British movement in the 'Upper House seeking active naval and military co-operation, the Government’s position is adamantly maintained.