To Stand and Fight

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVIII, Issue 137, 24 May 1928, Page 5

To Stand and Fight

Northern Dictator’s Determination Re-adjustment of Southern Plans Alleviation of Panic in Pekin [United Press Assn.—By Cable—Copyright.] [Australian and New Zealand Press Association.] (Received 24, 8.45 a.m.) Shanghai, May 23. The dictator, Chang Tso-lin’s announcement of his determination to stand and fight the Southerners has seemingly altered the complexion of Northern affairs and considerably alleviated the panic in Pekin and Tien-tsin. It has also caused the Southerners to readjust their plans.

Reports from the north state that the Southerners are meeting stubborn resistance at points were they have clashed with the Northerners. Feng Yuh-siang’s forces, by a flanking movement, necessitated a slight Northern retreat, otherwise the battle lines are unchanged. It is rumoured that Chang Tso-lin has made overtures to the Shansi Governor, Yen Si-hsan, ottering him Pekin in return lor an alliance against the South, confirming the general belief that, without assistance, Chang Tso-lin is doomed. BRITISH POLICY IN CHINA. NO INTERVENTION INTENDED, I British official IVireless.l (Received 24, 10.35 a.m.) Rugby, May 23. Questions were put to Sir Austin Chamberlain in the House of Commons regarding the British policy towards the contending parties in China. Sir Walter de Frece (Conservative) asked whether the British Government would consider the desirability

of informing both the contending parties in China that its attitude of selfdefence was unaltered, and that it had nc intention of associating itself with the military operations of other Powers either in respect of China proper or of Manchuria.

Sir Austen Chamberlain replied:— “The policy of strict neutrality towards the various contending parties adopted by the British Government remains unaltered. We have no intention of being involved in any form of intervention. Our one desire is to see a peaceful and united China, and any military measures taken by us are, and' have always been, solely for the protection of British lives and property.

“This policy has been frequently stated, and is, 1 believe, now fully understoiri by all parties in China, and it does not appear necessary to give further assurances.”

Sir Austen Chamberlain added that none of the reports which he had received relative to the present situation indicated the existence of any antagonism against British interests on the part of any of the contending parties in China.