SOVIET INTRIGUE IN CHINA.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 26 November 1924, Page 3

SOVIET INTRIGUE IN CHINA.

ATTEMPT TO INVOLVE JAPAN. The Bolshevist clamour about AngloAmerican intervention in China has taken a new turn. The Bolshevists now make an outcry against the “Subtle policy of the Imperialists,” who, they say, covertly and to a large extent assist AVu Pei-fu, but obstain from openly landing troops beyond a few sailors under some plausible excuse “to protect foreigners from violence.” Thus Great Britain and America, they urge, have contributed considerably to the strength of AVu Pei-fu (the Chihli commander), who now seems well placed for engaging Chang Tso-lin (the Manchurian ruler).

The Bolshevists clearly consider Wu Pei-fu’s success against Chang Tso-lin to be assured unless Chang Tsc-lin receives help from Japan. Althbugh they continue to acclaim Sun Yat-sen, their tone is considerably more subdiied, as if they reconsidered their attitude and regarded it as inexpedient at present unduly to offend the Peking Government at a. time when its overthrow seems impracticable. Meanwhile they are attempting to entice Japan into some sort of compact with the Soviet Union and into intervention on behalf of Chang Tso-lin. The “Izvestia” reflects the present attitude of Moscow in an article in which it explains that the course of events has rendered active armed intervention on the part of Great Britain and America unnecessary, because, thanks to their support, the situation is daily improving for “their protege,” Wu Pei-fu. Sun Yat-Sen has been riveted to the south by “Great Britain’s ultimatum,” and the menace of “His Majesty the King of Great Britain and Mr MacDonald’s brave sailors.” Therefore, the ‘‘lzvestia” proceeds, Chang Tso-lin must encounter Wu Pei-fu’s. superior force- alone. A victory for “AVu Pei-fu, Mr MacDonald and Mr Hughes” (the American Secretary of State) seems certain, hut this would mean an end of Japan’s influence in China. Therefore, argues the newspaper, one must expect Japanese intervention in favour of Chang Tso-liil against Great Britain and America. Japan cannot stand alone; she will seek friends. “First of all Japan will endeavour to secure her safety by an arrangement with the Soviet Union. Her interests unquestionably dictate this course.”