CHINESE TROUBLE.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 February 1927, Page 3

CHINESE TROUBLE.

[Australian & X.Z. Cable Association

CHEN’S ORDERS. SHANGHAI, -Feb. 27. . Chen, the Nationalist foreign min ister, has issued tin order that on I those specially authorised by tit Nationalist Government can mnk agreements with the powers respecting Shanghai. He declares that the \a tionnlist Government will not nsi force, to effect changes in the statu: of the concessions and interiiationa settlements, but says the presence o the British army at Shanghai has rotts ed national indignation, which fount expression in the anti-British propafjinda and general strike. He stresses the importance of not

endangering the lives of the Japanese as Jii]>an has not landed trun|». adds that the loss of foreign lives must bo averted. Probably the British force will be ordered not to attj.ick the Nationalist forces, unless they themselves are attacked. lie strictly warns the populace against possibilities of accidental bring, and the necessity of reporting any unforeseen incident, which might lead to an outbreak of hostilities. The First Bindford, Hertford and Second Border regiments have arrived. SHANGHAI, Feb. 27. The Megatie with Duncan and the headquarters staff of Shanghai defence force and sixteen hundred home troops crept to the British wharf in darkness, following a record trip. from Singapore, speeding up on account of a change for the worse. The local situation at Shanghai harbour is fast being congested, transports and warships are idle. All British troops arriving parade the main streets of the internationld settlement prior to billetting. The war situation improved during the week-end. Shantung troops are throwing themselves against the Cantonese on the south-west front Siimkiang, thirty miles front Shanghai, where fierce fighting is progressing. Jalen’s, Russian military adviser, ieported that he is directing an offensive against Shanghai.

A PROCLAMATION. SHANGHAI, February 27. A piquant situation has arisen by the action of General I.ipaoshang, the Shanghai defence commissioner, issuing a proclamation that Woos ting, the entrance to Whangpoo, which is the only approach to Shanghai from Yangtxsee delta, wilt he closed from'six in the evening to 0 in the morning to all shipping, in order to prevent a possible attack on Shanghai by Nationalist naval forces. Notice of the proclamation was served on the consular body which protested, although no other action so far has been taken, it is generally recognised that Lipnoshung has a good prima facie ease, as he is in the position of defender of Shanghai and lie must have some sort of examination of shipping entering, but it is; equally well recognised that Shanghai’s immense shipping which enters and leaves port as the tides dictate, cannot thus ho interfered with. It is generally expected that the matter will he settled by an amicable compromise, but at present all ships violating the order are subject to a thorough search ,by Chinese authorities.

SHANGHAI PR ISP Alt ATIONS. SHANGHAI, February 27. Shantung troops occupy the most important points in and around Shanghai, except the foreign territory. A largo force took over control of the forts at the mouth of Shanghai River of an attack by Cantonese from the sea.

British soldiers supported by small detachments of Italian, .Japanese and French armies continue to hold stategie points beyond the boundaries of the foreign settlement. 'This is vitally nec-

essary, although a contravention of the treaties, because hordes of defeated soldiers, and civilian mobs are allowed to reach the boundaries. Already British troops at the railway connecting Shanghai with Sungkiang front have disarmed many deserting troops, endeavouring to seek the protection ol the foreign settlement. Shanghai Council openly declared Shangtingites are hero to protect "** Shanghai, yet they are known to be the worst looters, pillagers and murderers of China. Chaiigeliunehang. the commander, is a notorious ex-bandit with a shameful record of governorship of Shangtung province, having executed editors, hankers and merchants wholesale without trial for 'resisting and denouncing his governmental tactics. 'l’he Council therefore is taking no chances. Already Shantung soldiers in the Chinese City have shot shopkeepers for refusing to accept worthless Shantung paper money.

A MISSIONARY’S STORY. (Received this day at 11.0 a.m.) SHANGHAI. February 27. Cfcangcliungehang and Sunehuanfaug together arrived at Shanghai I min Nanking. It is believed the presence of Shantung troops on the Sungkiang front will hold tiie Cantonese advance for a few days but will eventually crumble. In such an emergency Shanghai defenders will be sent. 'The latter is continuously policing Shanghai countryside, watching the anticipated rush of defeated troops to Shanghai, with the enemy on their heels. • When this occurs, scenes similar to those described by the Presbyterian missionary who escaped from Hangchow following the arrival of the Cantonese, may lie expected in Chinese territory. The missionary states the wholesale murder of anti-Reds by Cantonese followed the capture of Hankow. Civilians susspectod of northern sympathies v\eie executed instantly, their shops and homes looted and huge sums demanded from the authorities in lieu of a complete sacking of the city were paid. 'Hie missionary saw a civilian with merely a northern accent trampled and beaten to death. Two hundred captive anti-Reds were lined up and slaughtered with machine gun five, the Reds laughing. The missionary states several Cantonese wore iroek coats and British rain capes anil earned mills bombs. After the . butchery they embarked on an orgy of looting and/rape. Lw women escaping. Resistors were murdered. The. recent warning by the British Consul to foreigners to evacuate Hangchow appears to have been timely.