CHINESE TROUBLES

Hokitika Guardian, 11 December 1929, Page 5

CHINESE TROUBLES

POSITION IN CHINA. FOREIGN SECRET ARY ’S -STATEMENT. [United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.] LONDON, Deceml.Cr 10. The disturbed situation in China was the subject of a statement in the House of Commons by the Foreign Secretary, Rt Hon Arthur Henderson. He said that, following on the mutiny o. the Chinese troops at Pukow, opposite Nanking, President Chiang Kai Slick had disarmed the guards left in Nanking by certain generals of whose loyalty he was doubtful, and he arrested their civilian staffs; and martial law was proclaimed. Measures were at once taken for the dispatch of British naval reinforcements, and preparations were made for an exacuation in the case of the women and children. The national situation has since developed, owing to the revolt of the troops ■ stationed on Shanghairanking railway, about midway between the two cities. In view of these developments, the British Consul General at Nanking has been instructed that, in the event of danger, he would at once order the withdrawal of women and children. There were at present two .British warships at Nanking and H.M.S. Suffolk was due there today, and another cruiser, H.M.S. Berwick, was due to-morrow.

Regarding the position at Shanghai, Air Henderson said that there Fere at present three British warships there, and a flotilla leader and two destroyers were on their way from Hong Kong. All the refitting in the Hong Kong dockyard was being expedited and, overtime was being worked. Arrangements were in hand for the transfer oi a battalion from Hong Kong to Shanghai, should the situation demand it.

Air Henderson added that lie had no information that British property had been interfered with, or endangered elsewhere, except perhaps at Ichang. A small body of rebels had approa.hed that place and preparations were made to evacuate the foreigners in case of need. Later reports showed that tne defence of Ichang had received reinforcements, and that after continuous fighting the rebels bad been repulsed. No immediate trouble, he said, is foreseen, but there is a precaution. The women and children have either remained afloat or have been concentrated on the river front.

PROTECTIVE MEASURES. FOR PROTECTION OF FOREIGNERS (Received this day at 8 a.m.) TOKYO, Dec. 10. Official advices state the situation a Nanking is extremely critical. Japanese, British and other consuls are planning joint measures for the safety of nationals. It was decided to evacuate the women and children and the cruiser Hirat is proceeding to Shanghai to co-operate with the Suffolk and other warships, for the protection of foreigners at Shanghai. AY ith fiftyfive hundred troops, American, British, French and Japanese, together w ; tli a large police force, it is believed in Shanghai there is sufficient to ensure adequate protection of the settlements. To-day H.M.S. Berwick arrived at Shanghai. The Bruce, Serapis and Storm land proceed up the Yangtze. Barbed wire defences between the French concession and the Chinese city are already manned. The total foreign troops stationed in China is 15,690.

SITUATION QUIET. (Received this day at 10 a.m.' SHANGHAI, Dec. 10. Ominous quiet, is the present situation, but this is obviously misleading. All foreigners have been ordered by their respective Consuls to evacuate Nanking, where serious outbreaks are expected unless Chiang Kai Slick is able to suppress the rebels in the surrounding areas. The aircraft carrier “Hermes” is proceeding to Shanghai from Hong Kong. A cruiser and two destroyers are proceeding to Nanking.