OFF TO CHINA

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 24 January 1927, Page 5

OFF TO CHINA

TROOPS UNDER ORDERS. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES. SAYS OFFICIAL STATEMENT. BY cable— press association— copyright. LONDON, Jan. 22. A War Office communique states that four battalions have been oruered to proceed to China, including certain categories of reservists. A semi-olticial explanation says that over-much importance must not be attached to the calling up of the reservists, who are omy those recently discharged. There is no intention or calling up the reserves generally by lloyal Proclamation It is reiteLated that the situation m China shows no change, therefore the decision has not been taken. because alarming news has been received, but it would be futile to await bloodshed before taking precautions. Such measures are merely precautionary. “We cannot too strongly emphasise that the British Government has no warlike intentions. Negotiations may be slow, but they always are with the Chinese,” concludes the communique. The C'ameronian Highlanders and the first battalion of the Middlesex Regiment have been ordered to hold themselves in readiness to proceed to China. Ail leave has been stopped. After a Cabinet meeting the Government issued a. statement reiterating that the naval and military dispositions in connection with the position in China are precautionary, and that sensational announcements in this connection should be deprecated and disregarded. The Government’s sole object is to fulfil its elementary duty of protecting British lives. There is no modification of its conciliator ine&s towards the legitimate aspirations of Chinese nationalism laid down in the memorandum of December 25 last. On the contrary , conversations are progressing at * Hankow and Pekin which, if successful, will largely realise the concessions the Government is willing to make for the purpose of placing AngloChinese relations on an equitable and mutually profitable basis leading to a friendly settlement. Mr. Stanley Baldwin delayed his departure to Chequers in order that he might preside at the Cabinet meetjjlg, * The significance of Mr. Lloyd George’s and Mr. Ramsay MacDonald’s interviews with Sir Austen Chamberlain was that Britain’s decision to make a final stand at Shanghai with whatever military and naval forces are needed in defence of British interests was fully explained, and it is understood that both Mr. Lloyd George and Mr. Ramsay MacDonald assented thereto PORT SAID, Jan. 21. The warship Frobisher, Delhi, Sanae and Dragon have arrived here and are refuelling. They ado proceeding to . China immediately.

TROOPS FROM INDIA. ~DELHI, Jan. 22. The Indian Government has chartered two of the A.P.O.A.R. line of steamers to convey troops to China. It is understood that the 20th infantry brigade from Jhansi, consisting of British artillery and infantry and: Indian troops, will embark in a few days at Calcutta. LABOUR LEADER’S OPINION PLEA FOR. NEG ATI ATION S. LONDON, Jan. 21. Mr. Ramsay MacDonald makes a statement in the Daily Herald regarding his position on the China situation. ~, “Precautions must be taken, ne says, “till negotiations have removed . the dangers, but precautions can be easily overdone. No one should welcome more than Chen precautions that mean no menace to him. I l'ear the limits of wisdom are being exceeded and that Chen may think the forces are being gathered as a threat. “I do not think this is Sir Austen Chamberlain’s intention, but programmes of action have the unfortunate habit of setting intentions aside. Let British Labour keep in touch with Chen as well as with their own Government, and put up the strongest plea they can for both sides to negotiate for the suppressing of force. I hope the Government will issue as soon as expedient instructions to Mr. O’Malley.” STRIKE RIOTS AT SHANGHAI. SHANGHAI, Jan. 22. In connection with the tramway strike, the workers took possession. of several trams, entered the British settlement and created disturbances. Simultaneously an attempt was made to capture the central Police Station at Rioy. Squads were called out and, after a fierce fight and firing shots in the air, the police dispersed the rioters. Several leaders were arrested. The omnibus attendants to-day joined the strike. The police have been mobilised in anticipation of further trouble. JAPAN TURNS BRITAIN DOWN. TOKIO, Jan. 22. The newspapers assert that Britain has asked Japan to assist in an effort to restore the lost position on the Ynngtse-Kiang, but Japan has courteusly declined, pointing out that the delicacy of the situation demands that Japan should refrain from the nse of naval and military demonstrations indicating force. .RAMPANT ANTT-FOREIGNIEM. PEKING, Jan. 22. A naval wireless message reports that the Hankow situation is quiet. Conversation is proceeding between Mr. O’Malley and Chen at Kiugiang. The French Consul was held a prisoner by strike pickets and released only on foreigners undertaking that he would not leave the concession at Ichang. Virulent anti-British posters have been distributed. More refugees have left Hankow. At Shash the military endeavoured to commandeer a British tug, but the warship Cockchafer effected a release. Anti-foreignism is rampant at Amoy, Foochow, Swatow and Canton.