CHINESE BANDITS' PRISONERS.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17769, 22 May 1923, Page 9

CHINESE BANDITS' PRISONERS.

NEGOTIATIONS FOR RELEASE FAIL. . (by cable—press association—copyright.) (aubtbalian and n.z. cable association.) (Received May 21st, 9.55 p.m.) NEW YORK, May 21. The Peking correspondent of the "'Chicago Tribune" says reports from Lincheng indicate that the negotiations with the bandits haVe utterly failed. The bandits have withdrawn their prisoners and retreated further, alleging that the Government is not sincere concerning the withdrawal of troops. The Government's negotiators are returning to Pelting. Letters receivod from various prisoners indicate that they are undergoing privations and misuse by the bandits, and suggest that the foreign Governments should utilise troops to effect their rescue, claiming that even if the bandits kill their prisoners as threatened, it would be better than continued misery. (Received May 2lsfc. 7.40 p.m.") WASHINGTON, May 21. The State Department has received information that the diplomatic corps in Peking have been advised that the bandits have threatened to shoot two "foreigners if the Government troops are not withdrawn by Tuesday. The bandits further demand that six foreign Powers shal) guarantee the Chinese Government's accession to the bandits' demands.