CHINESE TROUBLE.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 February 1927, Page 2

CHINESE TROUBLE.

[by TF.Lr.OßAi’H —eirt rr.Kss association.]

STILL NEGOTIATING. SHANGHAI, l-'ch. 10

The Conference between M. Chen and Kir E. O’Malley continues to examine the position created by Mr Chen’s statement refusing to sign the agreement while the British forces are concentrating on Shanghai, but it is clear Britain does not intend taking a 4diall.ee with the safety of her subjects. the evacuation of whom is impossible.

ITALIAN TROOPS MOVE. ROME, Eeh. 9,

The cruiser Sail Gieorgio proceeds to China at the end of the month, carrying landing parties, including Fascists and militiamen.

CRITICISM IN THE COMMONS LONDON. Feb. 9

Mr J. 11. Thomas (Labour), speaking in tlie House of Commons on tho Address in Reply, said that Sir Austen Chamberlain’s recent Birmingham speech was one to which tho large majority of the people would subscribe, but. while the negotiations were yet going on. Sir Austen Chamberlain's Cabinet colleagues were despatching a defence force, and Mr Amery (Colonial Secretary) at the same time was declaring that Britain had said her lastword. All this neutralised the ellect of Sir A. Chamberffiin’s speech.

MR LLOYD GEORGE, LONDON. Eel). 9

In the House of Commons, speaking on the Address ft) Reply. (Mr Lloyd George remarked that the Cabinet bad achieved concrete unity by postponing every controversial topic. He warmly approved (Mr (Baldwin’s statement yesterday on China, but said that tlie position was complicated by the laet that wo had been driven to an exhibition ol force. Amid cheers, Mr Lloyd George declared: “If there were anv real peril to life or property, the Government were bound to act. They would have betrayed their trust if they lvad not acted if tlie facts were such as to give a. reasonable apprehension of danger." (Mr Lloyd George said ho did not think that the Government could lake the responsibility for evacuating the British from Sliatiglfcti. This would he a serious blow to Britain’s position in the East. The mere fact that- certain eventualities, which might occur, but did not occur, would not be a condemnation of the Government for sending the force to Shanghai. Tie. however. approved of the decision to land the defence force at Hong Kong, and lie sincerely hoped that it would be possible to avoid landing troops at Shanghai. Mr Lloyd George asked was the Paris newspaper “Le Temps” correct in saying that the whole of the Consular Corps in ,Shanghai deprecated the sending of the troops, and what was the view of the men on the spot on the subject? There was a danger of the British judgment being deflected by the talk of Bolshevik interference. Personally he could not sav whether the Reds’or the “See Reds” were the worst element. Probably, on the whole, it was the latter. He was of the opinion that- the Chinese Government was not Bolshevik, hut was essentially Nationalist. The Chinese were not Communist. In fact, they wore the only Tories left—outside the Liberals. Undoubtedly, there was propaganda on both sides. Sir \V . Joyn.son Hicks (Home Minister) and (Mr Churchill fChancellor of the Exchequer) were doing a great deal of harm by trying to identify tho Chinese movement with Bolshevism. “From my heart,” he said. “I identify myself with Sir Austen Chamberlain’s pacific policy, and T hope that he will not- allow his colcagties interfere with tho triumph ol that policy.”

MR. CIIUjUCHTLL’S OBJECTION LONDON

Feb. 9

Speaking in the House of Commons, .Mr Churchill said tint tho Government, had no reason to complain of the tone and temper of the Oppositionists’ references to its policy in China, hut he (Mr Churchill) said he wished strongly to deprecate Mr Eugene Chen’s onmmunictaions to the Labour Pfcrtv. This dual diplomacy was dangerous. The British Government wits offering conciliation to all the parties in China, in an attempt to get justice and reasonable consideration for Britishers. Tie added that Anglo-Russian relations had not changed since Sir Austen Chamberlain’s declaration last year, ■'but we believe ourselves to ho the object of an insidious hostile propaganda throughout the world. Me are determined, if this continues, and at any time comes to a head, that it shall he countered hv a British public opinion—vigilant, warned, and ready to meet the danger.” The debate was adjourned.

LORD BALFOUR’S STATEMENT.

LONDON, Feb. 9

In the House of Lords. Lord Balfour said that the conditions now in China were chaotic. There whs not any single body with which a Power could negotiate. There was also a special agitation against Britain, for which there was not the smallest ground. The despatch of the troops hid been criticised as indiscreet and ill-advised. AVliat would the oppositionists have done if in power? The evacuation of our nationals from Shanghai was out of question, even if possible, as it would leave v'.ist pecuniary interests to mob pillage, while we were helpless with troops thousands of miles away. The only method of avoiding that danger was to send troops. After emphasising the fact that Sir Austen Chamberlain’s present problems were unprecedentedly difficult. Lord Balfour said the Government was anxious to use the League of Nations wherever possible to smooth out international difficulties. A full account of the existing situation find poliev had gone to the League. Ho concluded : “The CoveVnnient deeply regrets that it does not appear that there is any way in which the League’s assistance in the settlement of the difficulties China can Vat present lie sought. If any such opportunities arise, the Government will avail themselves thereof.”

Lord Balfour said lie welcomed the fact that no responsible Oppositionist had encouraged the preposterous notion that our despatch of troops to the Far E'ist was connected with any policy of territorial conquest in China. Lord Reading, on behalf of the Liberals. said he uncompromisingly and unhesitatingly supported Lord Balfour's statement. The House then rose.

I ABO UR MOTION TO BE MOVED LONDON. Eeh. 9.

The Labourites’ amendment to the Address-in-lleply is to be moved by Air Trevelyan to-morrow. It expresses regret at the Government’s delay in dealing with the Chinese situation. It deplores the despatch of the armed forces to the Far East, which is calculated not only to increase the risks to which British subjects in various parts of China are exposed. hut to put obstacles in the way of an equitable, permanent ■and friendly understanding with the Chinese people on the basis ui the trank recognition of their national independence. The amendment invites the House to call for the immediate diversion or the recall ut the troops eu route to China.

OUTRAGE ON PRIEST*. LONDON. Eeh 0. The Times Hankow correspondent states: Two Irish Catholic pr.ie.xts were entured and bound together, tied to a hor.se, and marched through the countryside for six days as a spectacle. They were repeatedly threatened h> mobs before they were handed oioi to the Cantonese authorities at A okuliikow. where they were released. The Nationalists promise the tallest inquiiy into the outrage.

NO SUPPORT BY ASIATIC*. TOKIO. Eeh. 9. Information from official quarters states that both North and South Clun intend to spurn the .suggestion tor a neutral zone in Shanghai. Pekin is not even replying. The Japanese Foreign Office says Japan was not consulted prior to the suggestion, and thereloro it considers the proposal as the independent action of America, not calling for assistance from Japan.