IS SUN YAT SEN DEAD?

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 117, 19 May 1924, Page 5

IS SUN VAT SEN DEAD?

CHINESE CRISIS FEARED. DANGER OF ITFRISINOS. PEKING, May 18. Officials here entertain grave fears of uprisings and disturbances in Southern China as an aftermath of the death of Dr. Sun Ynt Sen. The President, Tsao Kun, has telegraphed to Generals Wu Pei-fu and Chi-Hsion-Yuan to hold their troops in readiness for an immediate expedition to pacify and unify the Southern provinces. It is reported that the United States naval vessels, as well as units of other foreign Powers, are being hold in readiness to assist in the dispatch of 100,000 troops to Canton in the event of an uprising there. It is stated that Sun Vat Sen just before his death dictated a will naming his son as his successor, and entrusting to him the task of executing his policy. This is said to have aroused jealousy and pique among Sun's military associates.. A proposal has been made by the Premier, Sun Pao Chi, to' the Cabinet that the highest posthumous honours should be paid to Sun Vat Sen. This was not adopted owing to a division of opinion as to whether Sun was a great patriot or a great traitor. The Canton Government has not yet officially notified Peking regarding Sun Vat Sen's death. In the meantime it is enforcing strict censorship at Canton. A representative of Reuters was dispatched from Hongkong to Canton with ] instructions to obtain an interview with Dr. Sun Vat Sen. He visited Sun's headquarters, and saw his secretary, Mr. Eugene Chen. The latter stated that Sun did not feel called upon to see anyone. Mr. Chen emphatically asserted that his master was perfectly well after an indisposition—not an illness. The journalist was therefore refused an interview. Subsequently Reuters Canton correspondent wag arrested. This was a pequel to the unsuccessful efforts of the Hongkong correspondent to secure the interview with Sun. Opinion in Hongkong ie that Sun is dead, or that he is suffering from such a severe mental breakdown as V> justify anyone being prevented from seeing him except hie nearest relations.—(A. and N.Z.—Reuter.)