The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 1928.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 August 1928, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 1928.

BRITISH POLICY IN CHINA. The negotiations between the British Government and the Chinese. Nationalist Government for the settlement of the Nanking “incident” have now been concluded, and the results appear to he satisfactory to both parties. The Nationalist Government expresses sincere regret for the indignities, injuries arid losses suffered by British subjects at Nanking, a fid undertakes to make full compensation for all material dam-' age, a joint Commission of British and Chinese delegates being set up to assess the indemnity. The only discordant feature in the discussion seems to have been the request of the Nationalists that Britain, would express regret at the bombardment of a portion of Nanking by a British gunboat to protect the refugees in March, 1927. But as the situation was created by the action of the Nationalists themselves, this concession was very properly -refused. One importat point to he observed in the Chinese communications, says an exchange, is the evident anxiety of the Nntonalists to dissociate themselves as completely as possible from the Coan-

nninists. According to the Nationalist Foreign Minister, investigation lias proved that “the incident was entirely instigated by the Communists,” and be is convinced that “with the extermination of the Communists and their evil influences” there is no likelihood of the recurrence of such episodes. It should he understood that the term “extermination” is used quite literally. This settlement may open tho way for a more sympathetic and amicable understanding between Britain and China. In reply to the Nationalist appeal for the revision of treaties and “the readjustment of all outstanding questions,” the British representative has assured the Nationalist Government in the 'most friendly terms of Britain’s desire to carry its declared policy into effect. Adinfitting the justice of China’s claim for a modification of the “unequal” treaties, Britain is prepared to consider their revision “in due course.” This, of course, means that the Nanking incident will not be allowed to- obstruct friendly relations between Britain and China. But it also indicates that Britain will not be prepared to readjust the treaties without consultation and co-operation with the other Powers.