THE OFFICIAL VERSION.

North Otago Times, Volume CVII, Issue 17166, 24 March 1927, Page 5

THE OFFICIAL VERSION.

STRIKE MERELY TEMPORARY. » LONDON, March 22. The news received in official quarters dealing with the latest hap- ; penings in Shanghai, as usual .is hej hind the press cables, but it is1 j claimed -that the reports of the un- ! fortui^ate incidents accompanying : the occupation by the Cantonese j already received fully justify the j presence of the British defence force. It is contended that without it the troubles would have been much more serious. Downing Street does not expect diplomatic developments or negotiations in Shanghai f'or some time, as a chance must be f given the new rcgxme to settle ! down. ' Despite the declaration of three 'days' strike to celebrate the success of the Cantonese and to-day's news of shootings, official quarters exonerate the southern forces from responsibility for most of the troubles. Indeed, they credit the Cantonese_ leaders with sincere efforts to maintain order. British Government quarters welcome the International CounciTs renewal of an offer of 'Chiifese represeritajion, as well as the insistence that this cannot be done until the agitation stirring up class hatred and racial prejudice suhsides. The Downing SHet attitude is to await a calmer situation under the new controllers before opening pourparlers in reference to the International settlement.