WAR IN CHINA

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 26 May 1927, Page 5

WAR IN CHINA

NORTHERN SUCCESSES.

SUN’S TROOPS ROUTED.

MOVEMENTS OF SOUTHERNERS.

*Y CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT Received 11.50 a.in. to-day. SHANGHAI, May 25. Southern forces are gaining big military successes along the Yangtsze, having driven practically through the province of Honan. The rout of Marshal Sun Chuan Fang appears to bo complete. The Southerners gained control of the north bank from Shiheuhwei to Tasha, the Northerners retiring all along the lino and offering little resistance. Chiang Kaishek’s forces are rapidly following flic Shantung troops. Sydney Sun Cable.

February they renewed in a most solemn form their protest and warning, but ;it was clear neither had any effect. ‘ ‘Diplomatic relations, When thus 1 de* iiberately and' systematically abused, are in themselves a danger to peace,” said Mr. Baldwin “The Government has, therefore, unless the House expresses disapproval cm Thursday, that they will terminate the trade agreement and require the withdrawal of the Trade Delegation and the Soviet Mission from London and recall the British Mission from Moscow. “The legitimate use of Arcos will not be affected by these decisions. The Government, while withdrawing the privilegesi conferred by the trade agreement, is willing to arrange for ordinary trade facilities between the two countries.”

AN ELECTION RUMOUR

LONDON, May 24

Lobby gossip to-night is centered round rumours from Labour quarters that the Ministry’s chief motive is to force on an election late in autumn on the cry: “Clear out the Reds!” but Conservative headquarters scout the suggestion.

ARCOS LTD., TO BE DISSOLVED

MOSCOW. May 25

It is officially announced that Arcos will he dissolved, despite Mr Baldwin’s permission for it to continue. It is apparently the Soviet’s view that the rupture should be complete.

GRAVE TURNING POINT.

MOSCOW, May 25. The “PTavada” says the decision by the British Government signifies the gravest turning point in international relations. The paper expresses the opinion that other steps will follow, including increased attempts to create a united front against Soviet Russia which, in spite of everything, will continue to defend the cause of peace.

A JUDICIAL INQUIRY

TO BE DEMANDED BY LABOUR,

( Received 9.45 a.m. to-day. ) LONDON, May 25

It is understood that the Parliamentery Labour Party this morning decided not to attempt a direct censure of the Soviet decision. Instead, it will merely submit a motion condemning the Ministry’s precipitancy and demanding a. Judical inquiry before -the rupture is enforced. Lobbyists aver Labour’s concern is to escape the stigma of aligning itself with the Soviet.

CANADA’S POSITION. PUZZLE FOR CABINET. ( Received 9.30 a.m. to-day. ) OTTAAVA, May 25

Cabinet will consider to-day the Anglo-Russian rupture. Canada is the only Dominion which has adhered to the Anglo-Russian trade agreement, and the termination of the agreement involved in the rupture leaves two courses for consideration, whether as a matter of policy it is desirable to continue trade relations with Russia, and what, if it is not desired to break official trade relations, is Canada’s position under the trade treaty.

AMERICAN PRESS COMMENT. .AIR BALDWIN’S ACTION APPROVED.

Received 9.45 a.m. to-day. NEW YORK, May 25. Newspapers almost unanimously endorse. Mr Baldwin’s actions regarding th© Soviet. “The Times” states: “For Russia th© break is a serious moral defeat, with probable repercussions both at home and abroad. It is not >a secret that the dominant Stalin party is very tired of Communist activities which have hung a world revolution like a millstone around the neck of Russia’s interests as a nation. Me must wait and see how much nearer this last demonstration will push Stalin to the bold, but .seemingly inevitable, step of openly repudiating the Third International and all its works.” The “Herald-Tribune” says: “He who would suip with the devil needs a ,'x>ng spoon. Treachery will out. American opinion will congratulate the Prime Minister, Mr Baldwin on exposing a perfidious partner and refusing any longer to live in pretences of amity and mutual confidence with a country which still belongs to beyond the international pale. ” . The “Sun” states: “Americans would be more or less than human if they did not set a certain amount of satisfaction out of the coming termination of official relations, political and trade, between Britain and Russia. Washington is constantly refusing to have anything to do with missionary Communists from Moscow, and has been completely justified by events. Russia acts as if she held that no other country had the right to any form of Government but that suited to the Soviet. Hence everv one of her traders abroad is a politician, and every politician is a. propagandist.” The “Post” says: “If Soviet officials thought the British lion was merely rearing for effect in the outspoken Note of a few weeks ago, it- knows better now. For this country the outstanding interest in Mr Baldwin’s step will be its belated, but for that reason more emphatic, testimony to the soundness, of the policy enunciated by M r Hughes when Secretary for State.” Heart’s “New York American” beiieves that Britain will not break commercial relations, because “they are tolerant and wise in all tilings affecting trade.” The “Telegram” alone declares that the Conservatives are “playing local politics.”