IN THE BALANCE.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 134, 9 June 1927, Page 7

IN THE BALANCE.

CONCERN AT PEKING.

America Rail-Sitting Regarding

Defence.

EVACUATION RUMOUR,

(.By Cable—Press Association.—Copyright.)

SHANGHAI, June S.

The greatest concern is felt in foreign circles at Peking owing to the uncertainty -which exists as to the policy of the United States in the present crisis.

There are persistent rumours that the American forces are to be evacuataed The matter is still in the balance.

The L-nited States Minister to Peking, Mr. J. V. A. Mac-Murray, is in favour oi defending the Legation in co-operation with Britain, Japan, France and other Powers, but his orders from Washington insist that not a shot must be fired on the Cantonese.

These are tantamount to orders for exacuation. Defence measures otherwise would be farcical.

Telegrams have been sent from Peking to Washington in the hope of securing authority to hold the Legation by every means possible.

In the meantime Japanese, British, French and Italian forces are preparing to defend the Legation quarters. Exservicemen are rallying to the assistance of the regular soldiers who have been sent to protect the quarter.

Reports from the various fighting fronts are scarce. There is no sign of the Northerners rallying.

A compromise between the rival armies is being discussed, but in view of the successes of the. Cantonese it is not thought that they will abandon their purpose of taking Peking and ousting the Peking Government.