CHINESE TROUBLE

Hokitika Guardian, 21 May 1928, Page 2

CHINESE TROUBLE

JAPAN AND CHINA.

Australian Press Assn.—United Service

■ SHANGHAI. May 19. Japan’s apparent determination to intervene in the civil war in China is creating a considerable agitation In the foreign diplomatic circle at Peking. There has been a Japanese statement presented simultaneously to three of the anti-Nor thorn Leaders, Genera Feng Yuli Siang, Marshal Chiang Ivni Slick, and the Shansi Governor, General Ycnshihsan, declaring Japan’s determination to preserve Manchuria from the ravages of war. This statement virtually asserts Japan’s determination to establish a Japanese protectorate in Manchuria, and possibly immediately. Japan is evidently willing to permit .Marshal Chang Tso Lin’s Northern Armies to withdraw into Manchuria- If disciplined, but will not permit the passage of a defeated, undisciplined rabble.

It is understood that Japan has advised Marshal Cluing Tso Lin to return to Manchuria immediately while his armies are intact.

The Manchurian Dictator has refused flatly to retreat.

JAPAN’S ORDERS. TOKK), May 19.

The Japanese Government, through the Jananeso Minister at Pekin, has been making direct overtures to persuade Chang Tso Liu to retire to Manchuria. These efforts having failed, the Japeticsc Government has finally decided on measures for the protection of Japanese in North China. -Japan is also strengthening her military forces in Manchuria at strategic points. Her determination is to prevent any continuation of warfare north of the. Great AA’all.

AMERICA KEEPING CLEAR. AVASHINGTON, Mav 18.

The United States is retaining its liberty of action as the Nationalists advance towards Tientsin and Peking. Mr' Kellogg (Secretary of State) has declared that no requests have been received from either Britain or Japan towards co-operating to protect, tiie Peking-Tientsin railway. He added that the United States Is not contemplating taking any such action.

DESULTORY FIGHTING. SHANGHAI, May 19. There is desultory fighting proceeding eighty miles south of Pekin. The Northerners are offering a strong resistance to the Southerners’ advance. Successes are claimed. SHANGHAI. May 18.

The final struggle between North and South is predicted to eventuate at Shanhaikwan, the gateway of Manchuria, also at Dolonore, the extreme northern boundary of China proper.

The Nationalist armies are now engaed in sweeping the remnants of the Northern armies from the TientsinPukcw and the Hankow and Pelting railways, prior to an assault on. Tientsin), which is anticipated to fall before the Nationalists without serious fight-

Little resistance is expected until the Nationalist assault at the Great Wall.

U.S. VI KAYS OF CHINA. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) NEAY YORK, May 19

The New York “Times” Washington ' correspondent. "says ail atmosphere of uneasiness is evident in official circles to-day over the course taken by Japan in asserting a predominating influence in Manchuria through its warning to both Southern and.. Northern factions to avoid the spreading of “ unrest.” .Air Kellogg made the following observations—The United States never recognised any special claim by Japan to that region and always considered Manchuria to be Chinese territory, although not denying the legal ownership by Japan of the lease of South Manchurian Railway. The American Government has not taken any position regarding the assumption by Japan of the power to exclude the Chinese Government from Manchuria. The United States at present is not called upon to do so. Japan did not consult the American Government regarding its action and there lias been no communication between American and other governments regarding steps taken by Japan, and lacking a knowledge of Japan’s ultimate aims it was held inadvisable further to discuss the situation, but attention is called to the nine-power treaty to which Japan is a •signatory, agreeing to respect the sovereignity of China and to provide the fullest opportunity for China to develop and establish equal commercial and industrial opportunity for all nations in China.