CHINESE TROUBLE

Hokitika Guardian, 25 March 1930, Page 5

CHINESE TROUBLE

REPORTED PR ERA R ATIONS

FOR A BIG OFFENSIVE

(United Press Association—By Electric

Telegraph.—Copyright )

(Received this clay at 8.30. a.m.) SHANGHAI, March 2-1.

The commandeering of foodstuffs, occupation of telegraph a lid wireless ,staions, seizure of railway rolling stock and slight skirmishing have been tho chief features of the latest anti-Nan-king rebellion. So far dozens of former notorious war lords, great and small, are seizing the present opportunity to reeoininence military activity, joining rebels and receiving appointments, hut j a majority are unable to contribute more than personal services. It is reported that American and Italian marine reinforcements are oil route to Peking legation from Chinwaiigtao, for the purpose of protecting foreign nationals in the event of disturbances

arising. The rebels apparently intend a double drive on Hankow and Nanking, utilising the railways in both instances, but it i's not yet clear whether the present uprising has intentions of attempting to destroy Nanking Government or merely of establishing an Independent Government in Peking. Both sides are vigorously distributing propaganda in order to obscure the real intenfions, Reliable information is unobtainable. Shansi circles claim the decisive defeat of Hanfuchu, a former Shansi general who recently seceded to Nanking. It is alleged that Hants troops fled before a Shansi onslaught led by Suntienving, leaving arms and munitions on the field. Hans is said to lie ready to retire and hand over the command to sub-ordinates.