CHINESE TROUBLE.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 February 1927, Page 3

CHINESE TROUBLE.

tor telegraph—rat press association.]

SHANGHAI STRIKE POSITION

(Received this day at 9.30 a.m.) ■SHANGHAI, February 2d

There was some development in liie strike situation to-day, but owing to it being Sunday, it is not possible to determine the exact extent. It is estimated that between eighty thousand and a hundred thousand workers are idle. Intimidation is playing a great part. The crews of the international settlement buses have finally been forced out, so public transportation is eonHned to rickshaws and public hire motor ears. House servants are not yet affected. Cotton mill strikers include employees of a number of Chinese owned concerns. Chinese crews of a number of British and Chinese coasting vessels have also struck. The general labour union lias issued n statement declaring its aim, which includes the continuation of anti-imperialistic propaganda, the elimination of militarists, formation of a people’s government, freedom of speech and press; eight hour day, increase in wages, recognition of unions, better treatment of labourers, similar wages for male and female workers.

However, Chinese newspapers state the real object of the strike is to welcome the Nationalist armies to Shanghai. iao far there have been no disturbances, beyond minor ones. No definite anti-foreign tendencies have yet been shown.

AGREEMENT SIGNED. LONDON, February 20

An official message from Hankow states that Chen and O’Malley have signed the agreement.

CHINESE TRIALS. SHANGHAI, February 20. The peoples tribunal at Hankow, consisting of thirteen representative labourers, students, farmers’ union, chambers of commerce, political and official bureau, with a woman representative of Kuoinintang, under the Presidency of the Nationalist .Minister of Justice, tried Wupcifu’s generals Chenchiamu and Liuyucliin, who defended Wuchang, captured when the Nationalists entered in October, Both denied receiving assistance from the British gunboats. Chenchiamu was fined fifteen hundred thousand dollars and Liuyucliin was sentenced to death. CHINESE ACTION. SHANGHAI, Feb. 20. Whilo the strike agitators in the set- . tlcmcut, and French concession are given practically a free hand, this is not the case in the Chinese city, where Sunehuanfang has commenced the defence and General Lipaochan issued a proclamation that any person found inciting the people to strike or interferring with workers will be summarily executed. Three persons have already been decapitated in the Chinese City on a charge of 'being agitators, but those excuted are reported to number at least 20. Three mentioned were lieheaded in the street and their heads were hung on posts as a warning. Sunchuanfang’s troops are reported to have retreated to Hashing, about 50 miles south-west of Shanghai, lietwcon Hashing and Sunkiang. Sun is stated to have forty thousand/men.

AMERICAN OPINION. WASHINGTON. Feb. 10. A general strike lit Shanghai is viewed here with real anxiety in view of the possibilities of mob violence, menacing t'ho safety of foreigners, the development of which if it should effect the well being of Americans, will lead to the landing of American blue jackets and marines. No one here will attempt to predict the consequences of such a step. A despatch to the State Deportment describes the strike but contains no forecast of possible results. Experts here hold the opinion, so far as the military objectives are concerned, that Shanghai will do the Cantonese little good if they do not control the Yaugtse river. For this reason Nanking 'and other river cities are considered to bo the real military objectives of the Nationalists-