CHINESE SITUATION

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 20 May 1927, Page 5

CHINESE SITUATION

CONDITIONS IN HANKOW. MB. NEWTON’S RECALL. y . THE BRITISH EXPLANATION. BY CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION —COPY BIGHT. SHANGHAI, May 18. A statement given out by the British Consular authorities in explanation of the withdrawal from Hankow of Mr Newton (British Minister of the Hankow Government) declares that the British Government had gone out of its way to meet the aspirations of the Hankow Government, yet, within a few months of the Minister’s arrival, the concession was overrun, while Southern troops, admitted for the purpose of restoring order, remained in unjustified possession. Nevertheless, says the statement, in order to furnish further evidence or Britain’s willingness to put her relations with all sections ot the Chinese on a. proper footing, an agreement was made surrendering the greater part ot the safeguards hitherto maintained for British nationals and placing their responsibility in the hands of the Southern authorities. Despite continuous proof of the sincerity and goodwill of the British Government, the conditions of British subjects in the areas controlled by Hankow became worse.

The campaign of abuse- and antiBritish propaganda continued until the general insecurity of trade and property and even of life reached a point where British subjects* were forced to evacuate every port west of HankoW. The province of Hunan was the first to change control upon the advance from Canton to Hankow, and was reduced to a state of almost anarchy. The other provinces suffered likewise in proportion to the extent to which the Communist influence invaded them from Hankow. “Of the conditions in Hankow itself, it is hardly necessary to speak, the port’s trade is almost at a standstill whilst the withdrawal of so many residents gives evidence of the general feeling of insecurity, despite assurances to the contrary, the British concession of Chiang-kiang is overrun, and British property and the Consulate have been occupied. The climax ■which shocked the civilised world was reached when the murderous outrages in Nanking were committed, the Note continues.

“While no change has occurred in the British policy towards the legitimate aspirations of the Chinese people wherever authoritavely enunciated, it is clear that those for whom you speak have failed to make good their claim to govern in accordance with the standards of responsible modern government. They have even shirked the responsibility of accepting the studiously moderate terms presented to them for the settlement of the outrages in Nanking. “His Majesty’s Government accordingly has been forced to the conclusion, which we now convey to you, that my retention as representative of His Majesty’s Foreign Minister, under a regime so totally incapable of discharging the responsibilities of a civilised Government, is both useless and undesirable. In accordance with my instructions, I am therefore leaving Hankow forthwith.’’