TROUBLE IN CHINA

Hokitika Guardian, 1 February 1927, Page 2

TROUBLE IN CHINA

(Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.]

J. H. THOMAS’S VIEW. LONDON, January 31. Air J. H. Thomas, ALP., speaking at Newton Abbott, said that wars had in the past often been startd by incidents over which no one in particular had any control. It must he hoped, notwithstanding the sending of troops to China that no unforeseen incident would precipitate war. This was not an occasion when any leader of the Opposition should take advantage of the situation with a view to exploiting tlhe sins of the Government. A challenge to the Government might he appreciated at homo, but it might precipitate a grave international crisis abroad. Tiie Chinese difficulty was not new. It was an inevitable consequence of the growth of Chinese thought, the development of > civilisation and the demand for emancipation ; and these facts must ho faced. The situation was capable of adjustment. ’The only danger lay in the event of either party starting to talk about “ this is the last word.” The situation was too delicate and serious for that. Personally, he could quite understand the apprehension, and even the resentment, against the embarkation of the troops, but lie did not subscribe to that view. He thought it was for the Government of the day, with the fuller knowledge and responsibility. to determine necessity. If > troops had to b<j sent to protect our nationals personally he preferred that a big army should he sent, rather than a handful. A large force was likely to lie a protection and to prevent war. We could not afford to ignore trade with China, and she would suffer very much if we lost it.

U.S.A. HOPES

WASHINGTON, Jan. 31

’(lie view generally expressed in official quarters is that Sir Austen Chamberlain’s statement goes as far as the British can reasonably l>e expected to go even hv the Cantonese authorities, and his action is strongly commended. His outline of the British position is considered reassuring, and one that would disarm much of the anti-Bri-tish feeling. Official and diplomatic circles in Washington, therefore, are looking with renewed hope on the Chinese situation. It is felt that the Powers may lie able now to avoid the use of force in the protection of their nationals.

RIIA NGH A 1 CO MMENT. deceived this day at S a.m.) PEKING, February 1. The first comment of Shanghai on Sir A. Chamberlain’s speech was somewhat guarded, pending publication of v.r the actual statement of the British proposals which are eagerly awaited. Apart from big British houses, hanks and numerous smaller British traders and professionals who invested their all in the concessions and a considerable section of British section are vitally affected hv the proposals. They are at present wondering somewhat pessimistically. where they and their interests will finally stand. The chief fears are the difficulty of securing justice in Chinese courts and the prospect of excessive taxation and various restrictions and hamperings of trade.

PIRATES 808 STEAMER. PEKING, January 31

The British steamer Stenghe wirelessed from Bias Bay, stating she was pirated on Thursday. The pirates left for the shore with much loot. The captain stated the pirates rushed the breakfast saloon, compelling tlhe twelve British officers to proceed on deck. They dismantled the wireless and then l'or four days conducted a search of seven hundred passengers, taking loot valued at two hundred thousand dollax's.

PIRATES LOOT. HONG KONG. Jan. 3T It is disclosed that 38 Chinese passengers on the Stenghe, on Thursday took possession of the ship at the point of the revolver. They rushed the third officer on the bridge and surprised the captain and other officers, who Were breakfasting in the saloon, seized the ship’s arms and ammunition, systematically ransacked the cabins and forced the officers to steer to Bias Bay, where they took ashore five Chinese first-class passengers find loot estimated at eight thousand sterling. AN ARREST. HONG KONG, Jan 31. An emissary from Canton who delivered ail inflammatory anti-British speech at a meeting of workmen, was arrested under the emergency regulation issued on Saturday by the Go-vernor-General. ASYLUM CLOSED. HONG KONG, Jan. 31. John Kerr lunatic asylum at Canton has been closed as it is unable to accept the regulations issued by the Nationalists requiring the submission of any staff disputes to arbitration of the Nationalist Government.