THE BRITISH FLEET IN CHINA.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 6, Issue 1596, 30 January 1884, Page 3

THE BRITISH FLEET IN CHINA.

We (Broad Arrow) arc enabled to announce tlmt arrangements have been made for the immediate reinforcement of the British fleet in Chinese waters, Although her Sfajesty's Government have not altogether abandoned the hope of being able, to effect an adjustment of tho difficulties which have disturbed the relations subsisting between Franco and China, yet it is fully understood in Ministerial circles that the crisis is now rapidly approaching its acute stage, and that the two Powers ore within measurable distance of the embraces of war. It is obviously impossible for this country to view with equanimity an invasion of this far Eastern nation, more especially an invasion whose initial stage would demand the blockading of the Treaty ports, British interests are paramount in China as against the interests of any other civilised ' Power. Information has reached us from a high diplomatic quarter that iiarl Granville, recognising these interests, has directed all his energies for some time to the establishment of a modus vkendi between Paris and Pekin, It is however, difficult to sec how such an arrangement is to be arrived at where one nation is notoriously desirous of war. and the other, it is equally notorious, is anxious to put to the test the power of those vast levies of men which for years have been equipped and organised upon a European model. Meanwhile France is pushing forward reinforcements ostensibly intended for service with tho army in Tonquin, but secretly destined for the greater campaign against China itself.