The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1027. THE EASTERN CRISIS.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 February 1927, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1027. THE EASTERN CRISIS.

No doubt the British Government, when it decided to send military and naval forces to the Far East, took into account, says the Auckland Star, many probable or improbable contingencies. It may therefore be assumed that the Foreign Office lias not been taken completely by surprise by the news that the dispatch of British troops to China may have the effect of healing the brunch between the North and the South .and combining the rival “war lords’’ in a national crusade against the hated “foreign devils.” Possibly the desire to bring the civil war to an end and unite the country is largely accountable for this latest development. But whatever he the precise cause, it is clear that this is a factor which must be taken seriously into account by Britain in nil her attempts to solve the problem of the Far East in the near future. The altitude of the Cantonese and of Mr Eugene Chen, their representative, towards Britain is not difficult to understand. There can he little doubt that they have interpreted Britain’s generous offer—which unfortunately was not made till after the withdrawal from Hankow—as a sign of weakness. At the same time the Nationalist party, quite apart from the potent Bolshevik influences working in its ranks, seems to be guided largely by extremists who interpret their “China for the Chinese'’ slogan in very literal fashion, and arc inclined to he satisfied with nothing less than the final expulsion of all foreigners from the country. Further, we may I’onjccfure that Chen objects to Britain’s consultations with the Peking Government, on the ground that Canton is now the national centre of China. And wo may also admit that, in view of all that the Chinese have suffered in the past at flic hands of the Powers, the advent of foreign forces in the Far East may quite naturally cause them grave apprehension' and anxiety, ft is therefore not unnatural that the Cantonese Government should seize upon the dispatch of British forces to Shanghai as a pretext for breaking off negotiations with Britain, in spite of the generous naurc of the concessions that we hare offered. But the attitude of the Northern Government is not quite so easy to understand. It seems to have been assumed that the North would lie placated and conciliated , by Britain’s derision to consult Peking as well as Canton. But here, too, the British proposals seem to have been interpreted as an admission that foreign control has failed, and almost as an appeal for the kindly consideration of China to “save face’’ for the Western Powers. As to Cilia ng-Tso-1 in, who has been for some years virtual ruler of Manchuria, and is the one strong man behind the Peking Government, this aide and astute leader seems to have seized the opportunity to make a friendly gesture to his Southern rivals, intending, if possible, to join hands with them oil patriotic grounds, and clear tile country of the hated foreigner altogether. It is thus evident that though Britain has obviously acted with the best of intentions, the net outcome of her efforts so far has feet i to strengthen the Nationalists and to consolidate the patriotic party throughout China. IVe must not. however. forget that the reasons which determined Britain to dispatch troops to the Far East are as convincing as over. The Chinese Minister to France “cannot comprehend why Britain is sending troops to China.” Undoubtedly there would he no need for them if only China had a strong central government, able and willing to keep order and defend life and property. Failing this, the Powers must do what they can to protect their own nationals. Even the Americans, anxious as they arc to avoid being entangled in Eastern complications, are making preparations for this purpose. But it seems to us unfortunate that the American Government, in its desire to avoid the suggesion that it is following Britain’s lead, is now preparing to negotiate a separate treaty wth China. Something like (Concerted action between the Western Powers at this juncture certainly seems desirable.