CHINA

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 14 April 1927, Page 5

CHINA

POSITION OBSCURE.

QUESTION OP REINFORCEMENTS.

BY SEA AND AIR

BY CABLE -PRESS ASSOCIATION -COPYRIGHT

Received 11.25 a.in. to-day. LONDON, April 13. In one word, “Obscurity,” the Foreign Office sums up the Chinese position. It is patiently waiting for the outcome of various Chinese generals reappearing on the scenes of former activities, land at present halting the movement of Nationalists. It is understood that Cabinet this morning discussed whether, in the growing uncertainty of events, the strength of the British forces is adequate 1 for the wider sphere or the protetcion of British people. In the presence of Sir Hugh Trenchard (air force) and Admiral Beatty (navy), a meeting of the Cabinet was held to consider the strengthening of the forces. The Cabinet is contemplating sending a fleet of submarines and flying boats to operate in the affected areas on the Yonktsze. Official circles do not regard seriously the stories of Japanese and Russian frontier mobilisations, ami strongly doubt if Russians have military operations in view.

SWAYING FORTUNE

NANKING MAY RE RELIEVED,

NORTHERN TROOPS ADVANCE

SHANGHAI, April 13

A naval wireless from Nanking states that the Northern troops have occupied Pukow without opposition. All the Nationalists’ flags were immediately hauled down.

The foreign warships moved one mile up the river from Nanking, in order to get a clear direct line of fire between Nanking and Pnkow. Nationalist gunboats, which were recently concentrating for the defence of Nanking, moved three miles up the Yangtze from Nanking. No attempt has yet been made by the Northerners to cross the Yangtze. H.M.S. Carlisle has gone to Weihawei as the result of a Consular report that trouble is expected there from bandits. The fall of Nanking is imminent, and this will virtually mean the reecveiy of Shanghai by the Northerners. The Southern communications between Shanghai and Nanking have already been pierced. There are indications of growing opposition to the extremist policy in a recent demonstration at Foochow, _in which 300,000 participated, acclaiming a moderate policy. A colonel who addressed the crowd in favour of Red extreme action was mobbed, shot and thrown into the river.

A naval wireless message from Weihaiwei says the officer administering the Government sent an urgent request for the despatch of naval reinforcements in view of alarming reports of threatened disturbances at Chin-Iviang. Chinese cruisers are now in action for the Northerners against the Southerners. Two of the latter’s cruisers shelled the north bank of the Yangtze.