BRITAIN’S POLICY IN CHINA

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 75, 22 December 1926, Page 11

BRITAIN’S POLICY IN CHINA

MEMORANDUM TO INTERESTED POWERS

SYMPATHETIC TOWARDS NATIONAL ASPIRATIONS

TIME COME FOR REVISION OF EXISTING TREATIES

The memorandum handed to the interested Powers in Peking by the British Charge d’Affaires is understood to be virtually a declaration of Britain’s considered policy in • China. It is sympathetic towards national aspirations, and recognises the time has come for a revision of the existing treaties.

By Telegraph.—Press Association.—Copyright.

London, December 20.

The British Note to China is not associated with Mr. Miles Lampson, the British Minister’s conversations; indeed the proposals have been before the .Chinese Government for a considerable time in order to test the feeling, and have only now been presented as a Note. The idea is that surtaxes shall in future be collected at the ports through which goods pass, instead of being collected at Peking, thus enabling the money to be available for use in the provinces where it is collected, instead of only by the Central Government as hitherto. Copies of the Note were presented to all the Chinese parties represented at Peking, and there is hope that it will be favourably received. . Britain declares that she has no desire to interfere in the Chinese civil war, or to favour any party.

(Rec. December 21, 7.15 p,m.) London, December 21. The “Morning Post” understands that the memorandum handed to the interested Powers in Peking by the British Charge d’Affaires, is virtually a declaration of Britain’s considered policy in China. There is reticence in official quarters. It is not known whether the memorandum will be published, and in any case it will not be until the opinions of’the Powers have been received. It is understood that while the memorandum is sympathetic towards national aspirations, it emphasises that the recognition of regional Governments cannot be considered when such recognition might be regarded” as support tor one faction, and thus tantamount to interference in internal affairs. Other sources affirm that-, the memorandum concedes that the collection of surtaxes by Chinese should be permitted and extra-territoriality should be modified, particularly regarding the administration of justice. 1 ' ; The “Daily Telegraph’s” diplomatic correspondent states that the memorandum was communicated before. Mr. M. W. Lampson's arrival in -'Peking, because it is not connected with the Hankow conversations. ! (Rec. December 21, 6.40 p.m.) London, December 21. The “Daily News” diplomatic correspondent states that Britain’s Note, in addition, points out thqt Britain’s China policv is not dictated by commercial Imperialism, and also recognises that the time has come for a revision ot the existing treaties. < The “Dailv News” adds: "It is a bold move for reconciliation with the new China, and is not intended as an ultimatum to other Powers.”—Sydney “Sun” Cable. / PERILS OF MISSIONARIES ' INCREASING SWARMS OF BANDITS Shanghai, December 20. The perils of missionaries in the interior are increasing. The Szcshuen Province is overrun with bandits and

mercenary armies, and there is continual warfare between the armies. Reports from the Luchow territory state that swarms of bandits in the guise of military are subjecting the inhabitants to unparalleled oppression with persecution of Christians.

Two rival factions are fighting for the control of the province, with the result that the lives of missionaries are imperilled. Soldiers are running amuck, looting homes, ravishing women, and levying taxes at the gun point. A pitched battle between the rival forces at Luchow resulted 'in extensive killing. Two missionaries, a Canadian and an Australian, were entrapped between the two fires, and the Canadian was seriously wounded. He was dragged to safety in the mission home by an Australian, Mr. N. J. Amos. The mission was subject to a rain of fire for hours. Others attempting to leave the city, were driven back by gunfire. Help is promised. SHANTUNG. FORCES IN NANKING Shanghai, December 20. Contrary to the recent Northern statements, news has- been received from a reliable source that Shantung forces in large numbers, with a Russian stiffening, have crossed the Yangtse and occupied Nanking. BRITISH DESTROYER FLOTILLA PREPARING FOR FOREIGN SERVICE London, December 20. The Eighth Destroyer Flotilla is preparing for foreign service. It is believed to be going to China early in the New Year.—Sydney “Sun” Cable. LORD INCHCAPE’S REMARKS DEPLORED

At a meeting of the Wellington auxiliary of the London Missionary Society the following resolution, proposed by the Revl P. J. Bothwell, and seconded by tlie Rev. E. R. Weeks, was unanimously carried:—“That the members . of the auxiliary greatly deplore the recent remarks of Lord Inchcape, that the existing unsettled and turbulent state of China is due to the presence of Christian missionaries in the land. Knowing, as we do, the real nature of Christian mission work and its beneficial influence in China, no less than in other countries, the ideals of the Christian missionary for the social and religious betterment of the people—ideals for which he or she has often to make great personal sacrifices—we feel that Lord Inchcape has lamentably failed to understand the real position.”