REDS IN CHINA

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 78, 27 December 1926, Page 9

REDS IN CHINA

DRIVING OUT OF FOREIGNERS AIMED AT CUNNING HAND OF SOVIET DEMONSTRATED ! Br Telegraph.—Pbess association. CopyrightShanghai, December 23. Although the absence ot violent outbreaks at Hankow suggests quietness, such a conclusion would be entirely contrary to facts. There is indisputable evidence that the Cantonese are achieving their ends by subtle, but effective, means, demonstrating the cunning hand of the Soviet, which will hot give sufficient cause for foreign intervention, desired by merchants and - residents, who realise that only a wholesale massacre of foreigners .would cause the Powers to intervene. At Hankow the situation is rapidly taking over the conditions obtaining in Canton prior to the so-called lifting of the boycott. The Cantonese are not content with establishing a Nationalist Government recognisable by the Powers, but are pushing on a programme aiming at driving out all foreigners from China. They hdpe ' that a relentless campaign of strikes and disorders will cause foreigners to leave disgusted, thereby relinquishing their concessions, the control of which is coveted by the Reds. Cannon at Hanyang arsenal, overlooking the Hankow concessions, are trained on Hankow. This is regarded by foreigners as an empty but significant Cantonese threat. Daily reports are arriving from the interior cities that foreigners are warned to evacuate by their Consuls, who are unable to guarantee their further safety.

BRITAIN’S MEMORANDUM ATTITUDE OF OTHER POWERS (Rec. December 26, 5.5 p.m.) London, December 21. Only the Belgian Government so far has openly expressed approval of the British memorandum to China, says the “Daily Telegraph’s” diplomatic correspondent. Japanese opinion is more critical than, anticipated, while the French is distinctly cautious. America, on the other hand, could hardly • view London’s generous gesture with disfavour. , , The Cantonese, however, are far from satisfied. Apparently they resent their failure to secure their recognition as de jure Government. The obvious reply is that Chen-Ping and his colleagues are not yet exclusive rulers of China. If and when they become so their claim will be difficult to withstand. In the meantime the non-publication of the full text of the memorandum has greatly helped Cantonese misrepresentation. The publication is only withheld out of courtesy to the treaty Powers, but Britain will not be able to wait indefinitely for their views..