CHINESE TROUBLE.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 March 1927, Page 3

CHINESE TROUBLE.

ter T£LE9RAI*H—PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

OFFICIAL REPORTS

(Received this day at 11.0 a.m.) LONDON, March 29.

A special Cabinet meeting was hastily summoned for this morning, and it led to a sensational heading in the evening newspapers’ contents bill, “Urgent Cabinet Discusses China.” ’the Australian Press Association learns from official circles that though China was undoubtedly considered, this does not connote an increased gravity of the situation. On the contrary, official news shows the position every-

where is relieved. Cabinet's main pur- • pose so far as China is concerned, was to enable Ministers to be fully informed prior to Sir A. Chamberlain’s review of events in the Commons. The Labour situation in Shanghai has i.i proved, the general strike has ended and the Post Office has re-opened. No serious disturbances occurred. AngloAmerican co-operation for the defem of the settlement is complete. Similar arrangements are expected shortly with

the authorities of the French concession, which admittedly is a rather weak spot. These samples of international co-operation may be attributed to the horrible events in Nanking, emphasising the need for standing together.

Long graphic accounts of the looting and murderings in Nanking, together with suggestions in some Chinese correspondents reports that foreign communities in the outlying cities have !>eeu neglected, are still faced with somewhat exaggerated complaisance in official quarters, which einpliasi.se the troubles are always checked as soon as the Cantonese main force arrives in any city. The authorities appear very anxious to reiterate tlnit incidents like Nanking, do not. provide a valid reason for modifying the British policy. The Admiralty to-night took the unusual course of requesting the broadcasting corporation to contradict rumours of a second bombardment of Nanking, which had been announced in the first news bulletin.

STATEMENT IN COMMONS. (Received this day at 9.30 J».m.) LONDON, March 28. In the Commons, Sir A. Chamberlain replying to Mr Kcmvortby, said the nsscssabi'e value of land in the International Settlement at Shanghai was £12,195,002 sterling.

Replying to Mr Kingloeh Cooke, Sir A. Chamberlain made a lengthy statement oil the events at Nanking. Jfe described how the Consul-General, with a consular party and marines hoarded the Emerald after suffering intolerable indignities. The total finish casualties so far as he was aware (although lie was uncertain whether the information was complete , were Doctor Smyth and one sailor killed and two wounded.

A British consular official saw Eugene Chon on March 25th and 20th and lodged the strongest protest against the unprecedented outrages by the Nationalist army.

Mr Kinloch Cooke—“lf it had not been for shells from the .warships would not ev’ery person taking refuge on the hill have been murdered?”

Sir A. Chamberlain—“ There is* not the least doubt that the timely communication with the warships and their immediate response alone saved the lives of Britishers and Americans.” Mr 11. W. Locker (Conservative) — “Is Ciliang Kni Slick’s guarantee for the protection of British one on which we can safely rei’y?” Sir A. Chamberlain—“ln the anarcliial condition prevailing in China it is at present impossible to say we tan rely with safety on these guarantees. AVe must closely watch events and jiidge by performances, not professions.”

Mr Kenwortliy—“ Is it proposed to evacuate the remainder of Britishers from the Yangfcse Valley?” Sir A. Chamberlain—“lt is a matter that is' under consideration, but it is not desirable that we should issue instructions, which shoui'd he decided upon by those nearer the spot.” Mr Kinloeh Cooke—“ What steps do you propose to protect lives and property? ” Sir A. Chandiorlain— “ I think the? are sufficiently well known, and despite much criticism they are now generally approved.” This declaration was received with cheers.