CRITICAL STATE.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 16 November 1927, Page 11

CRITICAL STATE.

AFFAIRS' AT HANKOW. FEARS FOR THE FUTURE BY CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT. RUGBY, Nov. 14. During the week-end a state of extreme tension has again arisen at Hankow. The hostile relations which existed for many weeks between the Nanking authorities and Tang-Slieiig-Chih, who has controlled the situation at Hankow, have so developed that w ith the advance upon Hankow of the Nanking forces Tang-Sheng-Chih has abandoned his troops and has sought personal safety, it is believed, under the Japanese flag. . With his departure las ahondoneu troops looted -the native city and disorders became general, despite efforts said to have been made by Flo Ghein, one of Tang’s generals, to control the situation with native police pending the arrival of the Nanking troops. At one time a serious fire broke out, hut this was quelled by the lire brigade from the former British concession. Japanese warships in the river landed marines, and the French concession is guarded by troops. According to the latest reports no British forces have so far been landed, though marines are available on vessels in the river if the safety of the British nationals and property become directly involved. ' Yesterday many panic-stricken Chinese from the native city sought safety in the Japanese and French concessions. This morning’s reports indicate that the situation is quieter, but considerable anxiety is .still felt despite specified assurances by the Nanking authorities that their troops will assume control peacefully. The latest reports show that, although future developments remain doubtful, the position to-day is easier. The municipal authorities have barricaded the former British concessions and the police guarding it have been considerably reinforced. British residents in the Wuhan cities have been advised to remove to within the concession in the native cty. Yesterday there was considerable disorder, the panic being increased by frequent shots fired by both soldiery and police and by numerous incendiary fires General Hidden, who assumed control after Tang-Shen-Ohih's departure, is stated to be negotiating terms with the Nanking forces, who are on the outskirts of the c-ity.