THE NEW CHINA.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXVIII, Issue 10753, 26 November 1928, Page 5

THE NEW CHINA.

iMPRUVED RELATIONS WITH BRITAIN. ’

REDUCTION OF DEFENCE FORCES.

MOKE BATTALIONS TO BE SENT •/-” ,-, : y : HOME, (3rbHsli Official Wireless., • RUGBY, Nov. 23. . Speaking, at the annual dinner of the China Association last night, Siz naming -Yvorthmgton-Evans, War Minister, referred to the marked improvement'in the situation in China, tind declared that . British interests thfefe were not separate from, but parallel to the interests of China. He paid a tribute to the -services of the British forces at Shanghai. The British forces in China' had already been reduced considerably and still more battalions were coming away during the next trooping season. ■ There v.is an efficient local force at fcffianghai, largely composed of businessmen, which he hoped would be 'developed with a view to any emergency. The British taxpayers would have to pay altogether £4,000,000 on account of the defence --force, and the Governirient felt that what could be done locally should be done. Referring to the general international situation, the Minister emphasised that peace was the main desire of the British Government. General: Sir- 'John -Duncan, late commander of'th'e British forces in China, made the point that the Chinese were not anti-British; they were pro-Chinese, which was quite a different thing. ,

SINO-JAPANESE RELATIONS -BROKEN DOWN.

HIGH TIMES IN PEKIN: ENTIRE POPULATION JOY-RID- . ING IN TRAMS United Pres# Assn. fcy El. Tel. Copyrighi (Australian Preas Assn.) SHANGHAI. Nov. 23. The. Sino-Japanese negotiations for the settlement of outstanding _ questions, which Had been proceeding at Nanking intermittently for the past months, are believed to- have definitely broken- down’ in consequence of China’s insistence, and Japan’s refusal, to evacuate Shantung. Mr. Yada, the Japanese ConsulGeneral at Shanghai, who lias been representing Japan, telegraphed to his Government for specific instructions .in ■ regard to the Shantung question. Tokio’s answer brought about a dead-lock, arid' Dr. Wang, the Chinese representative, terminated the negotiations. Accordingly the residents of Pekin are enjoying free tram rides as a result of the refusal of conductors to Collect fares until the company assures protection for its employees from native soldiers, who beat up the conductors .whenever.Lares <are.<=asked lor. The entire populace is. joyriding.d i/ / /■; / • -