CHINESE TROUBLE.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 December 1927, Page 3

CHINESE TROUBLE.

(Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.) CHAOS IX CANTON’. SHANGHAI. Dec. 12. A report from Canton describes the city as in a state of revolution, followed by an orgy of looting and burnin}'. The city was plunged into darkness owing to the power plant failing. All ships have been deserted by their crews, and natives are panic stricken. Thousands are fleeing to Hong Kong. As a result of the cessation of steamer communication the railways are overcrowded. Several vessels manned by British bluejackets, which arrived at Hong Kong were jammed with refugees. British and .Japanese warships are standing by at Shameen, which is the foreign residential area, consisting of a small island offshore. Martial luwMUs lrccn proclaimed. 'Hie Central Bank oT China is reported to have been destroyed, following looting. Chinese giinlxials added to the general confusion by sholTiiig tlit* waterfront of the city. Communists ■wrecked the police bureau, liberating criminals who immediately joined the looters. Local Nationalist officials declare the position is the direct result of Russian intrigue. Chinng Kai Slick, interviewed, declared emphatically that unless Soviet Russia discontinues immediately the intrigue in China, the Nationalist Government will i>e compelled to break off relations and request the closing of all Soviet Consulate. l ?.

A later message from Canton from Japanese sources, reports fierce fighting between Communist forces and General Lifnlin’s forces, m an attempt by the latter to retain control of Canton for the Nationalists.

CHINESE UNREST. SHANGHAI. Dec. 12. There has lieen an outburst of radical propaganda linked up with the tramway strike and other industrial disputes. Fifty thousand are idle, and synchronising with the Canton company, which is regarded seriously. There is a recrudescence of Communism to an alarming degree, and underground Communist activity propaganda issued b,v tin* general labour union urges a spread of the strike and approves of the assassination of several tram inspectors last week. The trouble is spreading rapidly and a general strike may be expected Later advices from Canton state that taking advantage of the absence of a majority of the regular troops at the different fronts, peasants and workmen assisted by disaffected troops have seized Canton. After sharp fighting lasting six hours the revolutionary forces disarmed the guards at the peace preservation bureau, taking possession of the city and placing it under peasant labour control. Railway stations, Government offices, telegraphs and all communications were placed in charge of a workman’s BRed corps. The outskirts of the city are swarming with peasants and workmen wearing Red brassards. All the shops are closed and business is at a standstill. Lending Kuomintang officials bed, taking refuge on a inan-o-war at the commencement of hostilities. 1