IN COLD BLOOD.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 11, 14 January 1929, Page 7

IN COLD BLOOD.

MUKDEN MURDERS. Young Dictator's Jealousy Takes Fearful Toll. TWO GENERALS ASSASSINATED (Australian and N.Z. Press Association.) (Received 10 a.m.) SHANGHAI, January 13. A message from Mukden states that the high-handed action of the dictator of Manchuria, Chang Hsueh-liang, in causing to be summarily executed Generals Yang Yu-ting and Chang Yin-huai, leaders of the Mukden military staff, on the grounds of suspected plotting against the Government, has shocked foreigners in that part of China. The majority of the foreigners regarded General Yang as the principal cause of Manchuria's prosperity and security and as the backbone of the late Marshal Chang Tso-lin's regime.

Furthermore the dictator's action is utterly inconsistent with the Western ideas generally attributed to him. The consensus of foreign opinion is that his action illustrates the impossibility of foreigner s surrendering their extra-terri-

tonal rights and

submitting to Chinese jurisdiction.

Details of the assassinations, while indicating the treacherous nature of their performances are somewhat contradictory. It seems that the slain generals were invited to a Mah Jong party by Chang Hsueh-liang. The latter excused himself from the party where soldiers shortly afterwards entered and fired volleys at the guests.

Yang Yu-ting received ten bullets in his head. Chang Yin-huai attempted to reply with a revolver but was likewise perforated. It is believed that the real cause of the young dictator's murderous conduct was jealousy of Yang Yu-ting's growing power.

Reports of an alleged anti-Govern-ment conspiracy are merely a camouflage. There are no signs yet of political complications arising from the incident.

CHINA'S ASPIRATIONS.

Intend To Become Militaristic Power. UPKEEP OF ARMY. (Australian and N.Z. Press Association.) SHANGHAI, January 13. That the Nationalists intend China to become a militaristic Power is demonstrated in a statement issued by Mr. T. V. Soong, Finance Minister.

This states that in future 41 per cent of the nation's revenue will be devoted to the upkeep of the army.

At a conference of all the prominent militarists in the country, now being concluded at Nanking under the chair" manship of the President Marshal Chiang Kai-shek, the future policy of China was defined. Regional contro', which was held to be responsible for the internal troubles of the past, has now been abolished. Instead there will be stationed a division in each of several defined areas, which will be responsible for peace in that area and will be controlled by the central authority at Nanking.

The conference is calling for a census of China's military strength covering the most remote regions.

HANKOW QUIET.

Anti-Japanese Boycott Still Growing. GUNBOATS MOVE IN. (Australian and N.Z. Press Association.) (Received 10 a.m.) SHANGHAI, January 13. Hankow is reported quiet, though the situation is full of dangerous possibilities following on the refusal of Japan to compensate the family of a rickshaw coolie killed by a Japanese marine in a motor cycle accident. Anti-Japane*e pickets are continuing their activities and the boycott strike is spreading.

Japanese gunboats have taken up stations closer to the waterfront and outlying Japanese residents are moving in as a precautionary measure.

BARBED WIRE UP.

JAP. CONCESSION DEFENCES. (United Service.) (Received 1.30 p.m.) SHANGHAI, January 13. Latest reports from Hankow state that the Japanese concession is completely cut off from the Chinese section by barbed wire and that entrance is only possible through heavily guarded gatcH. There is a general exodus of Chinese from the concession and would-be entrants are warned off by pickets who are not interfering with the Japanese themselves. While the situation is tense it •» expected that the precautions taken are sufficient to prevent serious outbreak of trouble.