CHINESE TROUBLE.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 May 1927, Page 2

CHINESE TROUBLE.

BRITISH CONSUL WITHDRAWS

(Australian Press Association & Sun.)

SHANGHAI. May IS. A statement has been given out by the British Consular authorities here in explanation of the withdrawal tiom Hankow of Air Newton, British Minister to the Hankow Government. The statement declares that the British Government had gone out of its way to meet the aspirations of the Hankow Government, yet within a few months of the Alinister’s arrival the British concession at Hankow was overrun, while Southern troops, who were admitted for the purpose of restoring order, .remained in unjustified possession. Nevertheless, in order to furnish further evidence of willingness to put relations with all sections of Chinese on a proper footing, an agreement was made .surrendering the greater part of the safeguards hitherto maintained for British nationals, and placing their responsibility in the bands of the Southern authorities.

'The note continues:—“Despite a continuous proof of sincerity and goodwill by the British Government, the conditions of the British subjects in the areas controlled by Hankow became worse, and campaign of abuse and anti-British propaganda continued, until the general insecurity of trade and property, and even life, reached a point where British subjects were forced to evacuate every port west of Hankow. The Province of Hunan was the first to change control upon the advance from Canton to Hankow', and was reduced to a state of almost complete anarchy. Other provinces suffered likewise in proportion to the extent of Communist influence, which invaded them from Hankow. Of the conditions in Hankow itself it is hardly necessary to speak. The port’s trade is almost at a stniidstil, whilst the withdrawal of so many residents give evidence of a general feeling of insecurity. Despite assurances to the contrary, the British concession of Chin-Kinng is overrun and British property and the Consulate there have been occupied. A climax which shocked the civilised world was reached when murderous outrages at Nanking were committed.”

The Note continues: —“'While no change has occurred in the British policy towards the legitimate aspirations of the Chinese people, wherever they are authoritatively enunciated, it is clear that those for whom you speak have failed to make good their claim to govern in accordance with standards of responsible modem government. They have even shirked the responsibility of accepting studiously moderate terms presented to them for the settlemet of the outrages in Nanking. His Alajesty’s Government accordingly is forced to the conclusion, which wo now convey to you, that my retention as the representative of His Alajesty s Foreign Alinister under a regime so totally incapable of discharging the responsibility of a. civilised Go'eminent is both useless anil undesirable. In accordance wiJTi instructions, I am therefore leaving Hankow forthwith.’

INDIAN TROOPS IN CHINA. DELHI, May IS,

The All India Congress Committee compost'd of the Nationalist Political Parties, is demanding that the Government of India should withdraw the Indian troops from China. DELHI, -May 18.

The Hindu Social M inkers society is sending an ambulance corps to China to do siltli work among the Chinese sick and wounded as is recognised by Hie Red Cross Society through out India.