CHINESE TROUBLE

Hokitika Guardian, 28 May 1928, Page 2

CHINESE TROUBLE

JAPAN’S INTERVENTION. Australian Press Assn.—United Service TOKYO, May 26. In connection with the Tientsin reports that Chang Tso Lin’s armies have started a general offensive against the Southern Chinese Allies, there is a growing impression here that sonto form of armistice may yet be arranged, permitting either the continuation of Chang Tso Lin’s regime in Peking, or the creation of a buffer area between the Nationalists and Chang Tso Lin in the- Peking zone. ,

While Japanese officialdom continues to be pessimistic regarding the chance of Chang Tso Lin being successful, it is known that efforts are being exerted in some quarters to arrange for a cessation of the China war on a basis of diplomatic agreements, rather than to finish the fight.

Meantime, the Japanese have tlicir military preparations in Southern Manchuria continuing apace, with daily troop movements, and the strengthening of the whole Japanese position between Mukden and Shanhaikwnn.

Tsingtao despatches states that Bear Admiral Mukaida, commanding the second Japanese China squadron, lias issued a summary order preventing tlie Chinese warships at Tsingtao and Ivaiochow from engaging in any belligerent operations, on the ground that foreign nationals would he uselessly endangered. Similarly, General Yasumitsu, commanding the Nagoya Japanese Army Division, has requested both tlie Northern and the Southern Chinese forces to retire beyond a twenty mile line at either side of the Kinochow-Tsinan railway, on the grounds that the presence of Chinese forces in this area would threaten foreign interests.

The Japanese, military have also ordered the cessation of all anti-Japan esc propaganda in the occupied areas