REDS LOSING

Evening Star, Issue 19274, 12 June 1926, Page 13

REDS LOSING

LIFTIIiS CLOUDS IN CHINA BOLSHEVIST FAILURE The Soviet leaders’ original plan was to dominate China from the south, at Canton, from the south centre, at Peking, and from the north, in Mongolia (writes the Sydney ‘ Sun ’ correspondent, March 30). Once China was in their power they would be able, they considered, to drive out their ancient enemy, Japan, from Manchuria, and also seriously embarrass all other “foreign” Powers, especially Britain. Their success was partial last year, and to-day their influence is steadily decreasing. The Soviet made use of existing animosities 'between North and South China,- and various political factions. In /the south they practically dominated Canton, and prevented trade with Hongkong. In the northern centre they used the Christian General Feng as their tool to spread Bolshevist propaganda and cause riots amf troubles at Shanghai, Hankow, and elsewhere, last year. They expended over £7,500,000 in this work, and promised to support Feng with 50,000 white Soviet troops should he require them. The Anti-Reds were Chang Tso Lin, Governor of Manchuria, and Wu Pei Fu, in the central provinces. There was also an anti-Red Party in Canton, but this party was weak until the recent success or Chang Tso Lin and Wu Pei Fu.

Feng and his armies had therefore to resist attacks from north and south. In tho north he had successes at first through tho defection of one of Chang’s trusted generals. At one time Chang’s cause looked to bo beaten—though the Japanese behind Chang would never have allowed his defeat. Then Chang rallied and pushed Feng’s troops back towards Peking. To-day, Tientsin is retaken, and Feng’s troops are in full retreat. Feng himself has u retired,” and is said to be living quietly at Unga. From the south side Wu Pei Fu has now reached Pao Ting, which is practically . within striking distance of Peking. All Font’s troops are in retreat, and Peking will shortly be in the hands of tho “Allies.” In 1924 Chang Tso Lin and Wu Pei Fu were enemies—to-day they are allies. It is quite possible that- they will quarrel again about the control of Peking. Meanwhile tho President.' Marshal Tuan, has taken refuge in the Legation quarter at Peking. TO MARCH ON CANTON. The “ Reds ” have noiv Inunhccd an expedition from Canton to attack Wu Pei Fu from the south by way of Hunan and Kiangsi. Their troops lame already reached the border of Hunan, which is the buffer State between Canton and Hankow, where Wu Pei Fu’s headquarters are. Tho old Governor, Shao Hing Ti, who was a supporter oi Wu, has fled to Japan, and General Tang lias taken his post. lie has 150,000 soldiers, but very little ammunition. If he sides with the “Led” invasion he will get supplies from Canton—if he opposes them, ho will get supplies from Hankow arsenal. Meanwhile, there are small flights in Hunan between the supporters of the eld Governor Chao and the present Governor Tang. Wu Pei Fu fully intends to march on to Canton, and should not have much trouble in driving out the “ Reds.” For already tho ‘ AmiRed ” faction in Canton has been able to assert itself to the extent of the capture and execution of some prominent “Red ” criminals. Hongkong, which has languished,so patiently since June, 1925, now sees tho clouds lifting. The idea of tho “Reds” that they could make a docent port at Canton is only a dream. To allow ocean ships to come to Canton would require the dredging of fifty miles of channel and also the dredging of the harbor of Whampoa. At present ships drawing loft can just manage to got in. The position of Hongkong as the harbor for South China is unassailable, and trade must resume within a few months. THE ROXER INDEMNITY. The Bolshevist power is certainly on the wane in China, but that docs not mean that peace will come whui the “ Rods ” go. There will still be the antagonism between Canton and Poking (that is. between south and north), and besides there will he many other minor factions each fighting lor its own narrow interests. If eventually stable government is to bo established, the movement can only come from the “student” party. Misguided and ignorant as they have ! shown themselves, they arc still the only real “intelligentsia” of China. The vast majority of Chinn’s people are farmers, coolies, and soldiers, who ai'e quite illiterate and inarticulate. Tho merchants are indifferent, and the politicians and generals are only outtor money and power. let the student party has a. very long way to go before It can he considered sane. Tho British Boxer Indemnity Commission, under Lord Vi illingrlon, is now tonring China. This Commission is to advise the British Government how best to spend tho balance due of Iho Boxer Indemnity. 'Hie principle ol reserving it for the benefit of the Chinese is paramount. The uilhrulty is to decide how to apply it. There are two methods suggested : - educalion and railways. The latter is favored, as it should he reproductive, and therefore provide permanent revenue for education purposes. But many people here are oi the opinion that" it is too soon to determine. The position is like that of a end I inheriting money. China is not yet fit to handle the large sums to come from l this indemnity. \\ hen she .as put i her house in order it oo tune | enough to consider the question again. 1 But this will not be the conclusion of } (he Commission. This will he miluI onccd by the fact that it is expected | to give concrete advice.