CHINESE TROUBLE.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 March 1927, Page 3

CHINESE TROUBLE.

[ey TELEGRAPH—PEU PRESS ASSOCIATION

SHANGHAI SITUATION. MR BALDWIN’S REMARKS. (Received this day at 10.15 a.m.) LONDON, March 22. Mr Baldwin referred to the situation in Shanghai in the course of his reply to Mr .MacDonald in the Commons. He said that a. general strike lor three days had been declared, in icelebration of the Nationalist victory, and was not an anti-forcign. gesture. It included public utility workers. When Punjabis were proceeding to their posts in motor lorries they were lift tacked by gunmen. One Sepoy us

i killed and another seriously wound.', j The assailants escaped. A state c emergency had been declar'd by tb municipality and naval’ and inil ii r

forces had been allotted for the purposes of international ,security. At a. request of municipal authorities, a-m----ed guards had been provided for foreign property on municipal’ roads Beyond the cordon the Royal Marine.! had landed on the river front opposite Shanghai.

Mr MacDonald: “Were the Punjabis attacked inside or outside the settlement? ”

Mr Baldwin; “ I believe they were inside the cordon, hut outside the international settlement. Mr Garro Jones asked: “Is there any form of diplomatic contract - with the Cantonese? ” -Mr Baldwin: “The Consul-General at Shanghai is in constant touch. Colonel Ward has a representative wh > is "likely to get in touch with either side and plenty of funds. That is the best way of settling any matter.” Mr Crawford: “Has there been any threat on the civil population?” Mr Baldwin: “That entirely depends on what you mean by threat. You must remember the .settlement is seething with mobs that may become out of order.” Replying further, he said in such a kaliedcseopic situation one had to got in diplomatic" touch with whomever one could.

5 OFFICIAL VIEWPOINT. LONDON, March 22. News received in official quarters dealing with the latest happenings at Shanghai, as usual, is behind the press cabi'es, but it is claimed the reports of unfortunate incidents that accompany the occupation by the Cantonese already received, fully justifiy the presence of a British defence force. It is contended that without it, the troubles would have been much mope serious. Downing Street does not expect diplomatic developments or negotiations in Shanghai for some time, as a chance must he given the new regime to settle down. Despite the declaration that a. three days’ strike to celebrate the success of the Cantonese and to-day’s news of shootings, official quarters exonerate the Southern forces from responsibility for most of the troubles. Indeed, they credit the Cantonese leaders with sincere efforts to maintain order. British Government quarters welcome the international Council’s renewal of the offer of Chinese representation, as well as insistanee that this cannot lie done until the agitation stirring up class hatred and racial prejudice subsides. Downing Street’s attitude is to await a calmer situation under the new controllers, before opening pourparlers m reference to international settlements.

AMERICAN ATTITUDE. WASHINGTON, March 22. The victory of the Cantonese army nt Shanghai is forcing United States officials to consider the possibility of extending recognition to the Nationalists. This will be delayed as long as lnit it is regarded as inevitable in informed circles if the CanVtonese successes continue. Mr Coolidge is desirous of recognising any Government which gains, the support of a majority of the Chinese people and appears to ho able to maintain stable, conditions and protect foreigners. The fact that the Nationalists have been supported by Soviet Russia will not prevent the United States recognising them, provided other conditions are fulfilled. One of the major conditions is that Nationalists should negotiate an orderly revision of the so-called unequal treaties, instead of denouncing tlietn outright. CLASH AT SHANGHAI. SHANGHAI, March 22. Northerners got by Durham reinforcements after five Chinese were killed and Several wounded. T2io number killed and wounded at the first" attempt is unknown hut it must have been as large ns a Durham detachment guarding the barriers was forced to use a Lewis gun, besides rifles in reply to the attackers fire. The fact of no British casualties at present is due to the retreating troops excitedly firing into the air rather than at the defenders. Later, three hundred Northerners were allowed to enter after tliev were disarmed, Japanese naval men disarming and admitting several hundred more further northward. The Northerners rush to the settlemepnt is due to the arrival of the vanguard of the Nationalist regulars.