CHINESE TURMOIL.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 May 1928, Page 3

CHINESE TURMOIL.

Australian Press Assn.-—United Service JAPAN EXPLAINS. (Received this day at 11.25 a.m.) TOKYO, May 9. The Government is issuing a .statement to-day that was verbally communicated last night to Tokyo representatives of foreign powers, explaining tho reasons for the despatch of troops to China, disclaiming tho intention of occupation of Shantung, and stating the steps are solely for the protection of residents, maintaining communications and guarding the railway which will continue to he controlled by Chinese officers, and may lie used by . Southerners peaceably. 'l'he statement emphasises non-interference in movements of Southerners. Jt is officially 1 reported that Southerners arc crossing Yellow River towards Tenckow, where an arsenal is their object. It is stated women and children from Tsinan have safely arrived at Tsingtao. An accusation that Japanese killed Commissioner'Tsai is denied. Actually Tsai was a refugee in a specie bankunder the protection of Japanese troops during the attack.

JAPANESE' REPORT. ' (Received this dav at 8.30 a.m.) i TOKIO, May 9. Consular officials and oilier foreigners, numbering 70, evacuated Tsinan international train. At Tsingtao the greatest military council since 1915 decided on the immediately despatch of a third Nagoya Division of 15,000 and a Railway and Telegraph Corps totalling 18,000 to guard the entire Shantung railway. The Navy is assuming the responsibility of a coastguard and is also patrolling the Yangtsze Valley for the protection of Japanese and foreign residents.