GRAVEST FOR YEARS

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12617, 30 November 1926, Page 7

GRAVEST FOR YEARS

PLIGHT OF WHITES IN HANKOW ADDITIONAL PROTECTION ASKED CRUISERS ON THE WAY Hr Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Australian and N.SS. Cable Association. PEKING, November 28. A meeting of Britishers at Manisow decided to petition the British Foreign Uhico for additional protection, in consequence of the increasing seriousness of the situation. They are making arrangements for the formation of a special constabulary in view of the efforts of the military to intimidate the Chinese constabulary by threats against the latter’s families residing in the foreign Concessions. The French authorities are also taking strong steps to ensure the protection of their nationals, who are complaining that the Chinese military are violating their homes on the slightest pretext. Several offenders have been executed by the French. Concession authorities. Plans are afoot among foreigners for storing food in preparation for the boycott. The cruisers Hawkins and Despatch, which recently returned to Hongkong, are proceeding to Hankow. Japanese cruisers are doing likewise. The situation is the gravest for rears, and many foreigners are evacuating Hankow. , JAPAN WOULDHELP BRITAIN

IF SINGAPORE WERE DROPPED FRENCH PAPER’S ASSERTION. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. PARIS, November 28. Asserting that Great Britain two months :i.m> •:ufi'u , '’sseit iv; .ivwiii.itions to the important foreign offices regarding China, which were ill-received and quickly dropped, “Lo Quotidien” says:— “British overtures to Japan for cooperation in a policy of intervention followed. The Japanese Press has already replied, and has stated that any concerted action is only possible if the British Government abandons the plan to fortify Singapore.”