STEMMING THE TIDE

Evening Star, Issue 19533, 14 April 1927, Page 6

STEMMING THE TIDE

CIVIL WAR IN CHINA SOUTHERNERS DRIVEN BACK FALL OF NANKING IMMINENT Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright, SHANGHAI, April 13. (Received April 14, at 1.30 a.m.) A naval wireless from Nanking States that the Northern troops occupied Pukow without opposition. All tho Nationalists’ flags were immediately hauled down. The foreign warships moved one mile up the river from Nanking, in order to keep clear of the direct line of fire between Nanking and Pulcow. The Nationalist gunboats, which were recently concentrating for the defence of Nanking, moved three miles up the Yangtso from Nanking. No attempt has yet been made by the Northerners to cross the Yangtse. The warship Carlisle has gone to Weihaiwei as the result of the Consular report that trouble is expected there from bandits.

Tho fall of Nanking is imminent. This would virtually mean the recovery of Shanghai, by the Northerners. The Southern communications between Shanghai and Nanking have already been pierced. PERPLEXING SITUATION BRITISH FOREIGN OFFICE AWAITS EVENTS CABINET DISCUSSES DEFENCE MEASURES LONDON, April 13. (Received April 14, at 10.10 a.m.) In one word, “ Obscurity,” the Foreign Office sums up the Chinese position. It is patiently waiting for the outcome of the activities of tho various Chinese generals who are reappearing on the scenes of their former activities and at present halting the tide of Nationalism. It is understood that Cabinet this morning discussed whether, in tho growing uncertainty of events, the strength of British forces is adequate for a wider sphere of protection of the British people. The presence of Air-mar-shal Sir Hugh Trenchard and Lord Beatty at a meeting of tho Cabinet strengthens the idea that a plan is being contemplated of sending a fleet of submarines and flying boats to operate in tho affected areas on the Yangtse.

Official circles do not regard seriously the stories of Japanese and Russian frontier mobilisation, and strongly doubt the statements that the Russians have military operations in view. RUSSO-JAPANESE ACTIVITIES SHANGHAI, April 13. (Received April 14, at 11 a.m.) Optimism over the relations between Russia, China, and Japan is increasing. Official reports from the Yangtse, however, indicate increased anti-Jap-anism feeling. South Manchurian Railway shares, which dropped heavily following Moscow’s ultimatum to Peking, recovered sensationally upon assurances from Moscow to Baron Shidehara (Japanese Foreign Minister) that Russia does not propose to use force. The new Soviet Ambassador at Tokio similarly expressed Russian sympathy with Chink and admiration font Japan. STRENGTH OF BRITISH FORCES LONDON, April 13. (Received April 14, at 11 a.m.) In the House of Commons Sir Austen Chamberlain told Mr H. Day (Labor, Southwark) that the British military forces in China at present consisted of sixteen infantry battalions, with the necessary auxiliary troops; also 14,000 of the Navy personnel. Four additional battalions were en route to China.—‘Argus’ and Sydney ‘Sun’ Cable,