Nelson Evening Mail THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 1931 BRIGHTER OUTLOOK IN CHINA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 15 January 1931, Page 4

Nelson Evening Mail THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 1931 BRIGHTER OUTLOOK IN CHINA

IT is always difficult to predict what is likely to happen in China, but recent developments there seem to indicate that something approaching a period of peace may have dawned in that vast and densely populated country. Peace in China is essential, if prosperity is to return to the Far East; and without the favourable adjustment of the economic situation in China it is difficult for the economic situation of the world to right itself completely. Therefore any sign of the restoration of peace in China will he welcomed throughout the world. All last summer civil war raged in the central provinces between the two gn at rivers—the Yang-tse and Hwang-ho—-and in the northern provinces of Chihli and Shantung, between the armies of the National Government, led by President Chiang Kai-shek, and the armies of Generals Yen and Feng who dominated the north-western provinces. That it was a war of considerable bitterness is proved by the fact that the total numbers of killed and wounded in the contending armies amounted to 315,000 men. On the whole, it would seem that at first Yen and Feng had the best of Hie contest, for though they were unable to penetrate southwards across the Yang-tse River with a view to capturing Nanking, the new capital of China, they were able to occupy part of Shantung and to capture Peking, the ancient capital of the Alanchu Emperors. Then, at the end of August, a dramatic movement was made by the war-lord of Alanchuria, Chang Hsueh-liang—the “Young Marshal,” as he is called —who suddenly despatched a well-equipped army of 100,000 men by rail from Mukden, and seized Peking, whence General Yen retired precipitately to his own province of Shansi. If became quite evident thatChang held the balance of power, and all China wondered what he would do with it. It- was known that he stoutly upheld the sovereign rights of independent States, such as the Republic of Manchuria, to govern themselves, and therefore that he might clash with the National Government which claimed the right to rule all China. But, on the other hand, it was known, that he was a deadly enemy of Communism, with which General Feng was supposed to be infected. The question was whether Chang would recognise the National Government, or whether he would try conclusions with it, with a view to making ing himself master of all China. His bloodless seizure of Peking and Tientsin had completely dislocated the political and military plans of Yen and Feng, and it was not long before the President of (lie National Government had so severely defeated them that they were compelled to withdraw their depleted armies to their own provinces. And still Marshal Chang remained inactive. Then, early in November, he paid a visit to Nanking, in order to confer with President Chiang, and presently it was learned that the National Government had paid him the sum of ten million silver dollars, to reimburse him for the cost of his occupation of Peking and Tientsin, and consequently it was ‘known that he had come to terms with President Chiang. This fact was emphasised by the two leadevs being photographed together, with a group of subordinate generals standing behind them, in token of the good understanding arrived at by Alarslial Chang of Manchuria and the National Government of China. Subsequently it was reported that the rebel General Yen proposed to seek an asylum in Japan, while General Feng, driven to the borders of Alongolia, had lost all power to renew the struggle against the Central Government. There is not any doubt that ATarshal Chang acted as he did in order to end the civil war, to restore the national credit, and to avert national bankruptcy. It is also certain that the National Government has recognised the independence of Manchuria under his government. Thus the President (who by the way was recently admitted to membership of the Alethodist Church; his wife being already a Christian) is free to carry out ibis national policy, which jhas s)een epitomised as follows: —(1) Eradication of Communism and banditry; (2) rehabilitation of national finance and enforcement of honesty in handling of (public) funds; (3) evolution of a clean and efficient government through eradication of lethargy and corruption; (4) economic development, involving an effort to obtain foreign capital on honourable terms; (5) enforcement of district autonomy, and adequate provision for schools.

It is a hopeful sign that in both Canlon and Shanghai the tendency is for a brighter outlook to prevail, both as regards the political and economic situation. The good understanding reached by Marshal Chang and President Chiang bodes well for China, and all well-wish-ers of that country will hope that it will remain firm, since they two, acting in concert, can maintain peace, and thus allow the country to regain its prosperity.