CHINESE CRISIS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 19 June 1925, Page 5

CHINESE CRISIS.

GRAVE APPREHENSIONS

WAR ON BRITAIN. BY CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT PEKING, June 17.

A Japanese semi-official news agency reports that 60 representatives of leading organisations interviewed the War Minister and submitted the following demands: (1) The severance of diplomatic relations with Britain; (2) the despatch of Chinese troops to all commercial ports for the protection •of Chinese subjects; (3) the declaration of war against Britain. The Minister replied that their wisest policy was to confine their activities to peaceful and patriotic movements, and await the self-awakening of foreigners, but if the worst came the Government would not act contrary to the expectations of the people. Reports from Shanghai state that Constable Gavan, a British officer, while dispersing a mob of strike agitators, chased the students’ ringleader into an alleyway, and was attacked by a hostile crowd with choppers and other weapons, being severely woiinded. He was rescued in an unconscious condition and taken to hospital, where fie was operated upon. He is expected to recover. A further Note on behalf of the interested foreign Powers has been handed to Wai Chia Bu, calling attention to the fact that since the previous Note new grave incidents have occurred at Shanghai and other localities. including the shooting of a British subject and the wounding of a lady accompanying him. The Note adds: “From all sides we are informed that anti-foreign sentiment- is developing, which causes us the ‘ gravest apprehension. Wishing above all to dispel every cause which might impair the cordial relations Iretween China and the foreign Governments, we urge upon the Chinese Government the imperative necessity. for taking the steps incumbent upon it to meet the grave situation.”

JAPAN ANXIOUS FOR PEACE. • TOKIO, June IS. A Conference of the Associated Chambers of Commerce passed a resolution that the Government, co-operating with the Powers, should take the necessary steps of ensuring an early restoration of peace in China. It was agreed to telegraph to the Chinese chambers of commerce at Shanghai re-, questing their efforts for the early restoration of peace.