CHINA'S APPEAL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 202, 26 August 1937, Page 7

CHINA'S APPEAL.

CHUNG'S MESSAGE. Toleration Taxed by Japan's Actions. LETTER TO ABSENT CHINESE. "China and Japan must not be allowed to become deadly enemies," states a message from Marshal Chiang Kai-shek to Chinese who reside in many countries abroad. This appeal was received in Auckland by the Rev. Y. S. Chan, of the Chinese Church, and has been translated into English. "Of course," it continues, "we are still •eeking peace, but failing that the Government will handle the business with the utmost cafe. If war ensues, no matter whether of the north or of the south, young or old must all take up their duty to defend their native land. The whole population must obey the command and preserve order throughout the country." While China had been striving to live •t peace with the Commonwealth of Rations and to attain unity within its borders, suddenly the Lukauchao incident lad occurred, states the message. Not only had it taken the Chinese people nnawares but it had perturbed the whole world. The repercussions of this incident would not only affect China's future but also world peace. If there were a gleam of peace, they must not lose sight of it, added the message, and unnecessary sacrifices of life and property must not be made while that gleam existed. On the other hand, if there were no alternative to sacrifice, then the people must sacrifice everything to ensure ultimate victory. Compromise means surrender, and surrender means the eclipse of our people. When the moment for sacrifice comes, w e must not look back." Consequences of Submission. After suggesting that the only way at present seemed for the Chinese to allow the Japanese army full license to move wherever it felt inclined, together with restrictions upon the movements of: Chinese soldiers, the statement added: "We are fast approaching a point which is beyond our ability to bear. We lost Manchuria in 1931 and trouble is nnw at the gates of .Peking."

"M we yield to their demands out of the Lukauchao incident this political and cultural centre of Peking will immediately become a second Mukden, the trouble centre of 1931. The Hopei and Charhar Provinces will immediately become a second Manchukuo, and Nanking and Shanghai will immediately become a second Peking and Tientsin. The Lukauehao incident is the limit of our national safety." Means of raising relief for refugees and others in stricken areas around Shanghai were discussed at a meeting of the Chinese Church in Auckland yesterday when the Eev. Chau traversed the urgent need of help for the many people who were homeless. Donations towards the relief of sufferers will be received by Mr. Chau at 105, Vincent Street, City, to be forwarded to the Chinese Foreign Famine Relief Committee in Shanghai. The Eev. R. Ferguson Fish stated that an appeal was being made through the Presbyterian Church,of New Zealand for prayer for speedy relief from the trouble with which China is contending. WITHDRAW FORCES. China Agreeable if Japanese Consent. NEUTRAL AREA IN SHANGHAI. British Official Wireless. RUGBY, August 25. The Chinese Embassy in London has made public the following telegram received from Nanking:— "The Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs has informed the British Ambassador to China that the Nanking Government is prepared to accept the British proposal in principle for the immediate withdrawal of forces, including men-of-war from the Shanghai* area, with the protection of the Japanese Settlements and extra-settlements roads entrusted to the foreign authorities, if the proposal is accepted by Japan."

SENT TO HONGKONG. MILLIONS OF CHINA'S DOLLARS (Received 12.30 p.m.) HONGKONG, August 25. Millions of dollars are being sent to Hongkong from all parts of China for safe keeping.