CRISIS IN CHINA

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10610, 8 June 1920, Page 5

CRISIS IN CHINA

A SOUTHERN SPLIT PROVINCES DECLARE INDEPEN DENOE. NUMEROUS CONFLICTS; ARMISTICE BROKEN.

By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright Reuter’s Telegram. SHANGHAI, Juno 3.

There is a serious split amongst the politicians in South China. A meeting of representatives an the Governors oi Shensi, Szeehueu, Kweichow, an Hunan decided to declare the yideponclcuoo of these provinces, and not to recognise in the future the authority of tho Canton Government. Published in "Tho Times." PEKIN. June 3. Present conditions -supply a curious picture of predatory militarism. A quarrel among It lie jealous Northern leaders resulted in the. retirement of tho army', whereupon the Southern army' advanced, breaking the armistice which has lasted for two years. The Southern leaders also are at loggerheads, involving numerous minor conflicts. Meanwhile, the Government troops at Shensi are turning bandit on. a wholesale scale. The Central Government is powerless to secure obedience, and tho provincial satraps arc scheming to promote their own interests. it is expected that tho rival cliques will settle down after fegroupingn like a menagerie after a thunderous bout of roaring rampageousness. Further hostilities arc possible, but only on a. minor scale. Tho leaders are all Vicars of Bray, lusting for profit and power. None cares a tinker’s ettrso about China, while the rankers do not want civil war. but only opportunities for loot. *