WAR IN CHINA.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 May 1922, Page 5

WAR IN CHINA.

THE CAPITAL ENTERED. A PEACEFUL AFFAIR. PEOPLE TO CHOOSE, By Telegraph.—Press Assn-.—Copyright. Received May 7, 5.5 p.m. ‘ Pekin, May fl. General Wu Pei Fu has entered Pekin. He visited President Hsushihchang, and assured him that he would not interfere with the Pekin Government. General Chang Tso Lin is fleeing to Manchuria. The defeated Fengtein troops are marching on Tientsin. They are beyond control, and are burning, killing and looting en route. General Wu Pei Fu has announced a temporary dictatorship. He intends to call a constitutional convention to permit the people to select their form of government. He rejected a suggestion that he should offer peace to General Chang Tso Lin, stating he was determined to completely destroy Chang’s power. General Wu Pei Fu did not attempt to triumphantly enter Pekin or assume control. President Hsushihchang has issued a mandate dismissing and ordering the arrest of the Finance Minister (Mr. Changhu) and the Minister for Communications (Mr. Yehkungcho). —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. Tientsin, May 5.

Wu Pei Fu’s forces made a detour round Pekin, cutting the Pekin-Muk-den railwav and frustrating Chang Tso Lin’s retreat. The latter is reported as taking refuge in the French concession. The Chinese Press unanimously rejoices at Chang Tso Lin’s debacle, pointing out that Japanese control of Manchuria is menaced. News from all the battle fronts confirms the statement that Wu Pei Fu’s first act on entering Pekin will be a proclamation inviting Sun Yat Sen to assist in the unification of China.