CHINESE TROUBLE

Hokitika Guardian, 18 February 1927, Page 3

CHINESE TROUBLE

[nr TELEGRAPH—PIJII PRESS ASSOCIATION. CHINESE REPORT. SHANGHAI, February 17. Peipaosan, one of Sunchuanfang’.‘ principal generals, in Chekiang, hai taken men to Anhewo Province, wait ing to see which side wins. It is reported the third Chekiang army lia> gone over to the south. There win much looting by retreating troops, and some civilians were shot.

GETTING IMPATIENT

(Received this day at 11.0 a.m.)

LONDON, Feb. 10. Signs are not wanting that impatience with Chen’s vaecilations is spreading to Conservative Commoners. Some are already suggesting a time limit should be given Chen, in which to sign, but responsible quarters are making allowance for the Orientals’ love of procrastination, and maintain an attitude of- unshaken patience in the belief that it will win through eventually.

Meanwhile some confirmation is received of Cantonese military successes which may bo partly responsible for Chen’s latest intransigcaneo. Though tfie- fall of Hangchow is reported, British interests there are negligible. The capture of the town is only important as a big step towards Shanghai. Though Cantonese may utimately encircle Shanghai there is not the least fear here that Chen will depart from the, previous declaration, that he will, in no circumstances, attempt to take Shanghai by force. talk of an Fr/muTCM LONDON, Feb. 17. The “Daily Express” states that its opinion is that Mr Eugene Chen is simply raising new points in order to delay his signing of the agreement. It adds: “This may soon be put to a test in a manner that will set all doubts at rest.

CHINESE POSITION. (Received this dav at 10.15 a.m.) LONDON. Feb. 17 The Foreign Office reports no development in Hankow 'negotiations, beyond tlio fact Dint Sir A. Chamberlain is consulting Mr Lampson at Peking beforo replying to Chen’s latest demands. Well informed circles agree these raise largo questions of policy, such as Chen's desire for recognition as spokesman for the whole of China and further attempt to modify Britain’s determination to have forces ready on the spot to meet eventuairties at Shanghai. Chineso commercial bodies resolutions against our military steps are aimed at strengthening Chen’s renewed protest, but there is not the least likelihood that a decision to defend British nationals will in any way bo altered.

Official circles point out that Chen did not allow, and is not likely to allow his objections to the despatch of troops to interfere with tlie negotiations with O’Malley, for a. purely local trading agreement 'at Hankow.