SOVIET INTRIGUE.

King Country Chronicle, Volume XIX, Issue 2053, 9 December 1924, Page 2

SOVIET INTRIGUE.

ATTEMPT TO INVOLVE JAPAN. The Bolshevist clamour about AngloAmerican intervention in China has taken a new turn. The “Bolshevists now make an outcry against the “subtle policy of the Imperialists,” who, they say, covertly and to a large extent assist Wu Pei-fu, but abstain from openly landing troops beyond a few sailors under some plausible excuse “to prtect foreigners from violence.” Thus Great Britain and America, they urge, have contributed considerably to the strength of Wu p e i-fu (the Chihli commander), who now seems well placed for engaging Chang Tso-lin (the Manchurian ruler). The Bolshevists clearly consider Wu Pei-fu’s success against Chang Tso-lin to be assured unless Chang Tso-lin receives help from Japan. Although they continue to acclaim Sun Yat-sen, their tone is considerably more subdued, as if they had reconsidered their attitude and regarded it as inexpedient at present unduly to offend the Peking Government at a time when its overthrow seems impracticable. Meanwhile, they are attempting to entice .Japan into some sort of compact with the Soviet Union and into intervention on behalf of Chang Tso-lin. The Izvestia reflects the present attitude of Moscow in an article in which it explains that the course of events has rendei’ed active armed intervention on the part of Britain and America unnecessary, because, thanks to their support, the situation is daily improving for “their protege,” Wu Pei-fu. Sun Yat-Sen has been riveted to the south by “Great Britain’s ultimatum,” and the menace of “His Majesty the King of Great Britain and Mr MacDonald’s brave sailors.” Therefore, the Izvestia proceeds, Chang Tso-lin must encounter Wu Peifu’s superior forces alone. A victory for “Wu Pei-fu, Mr MacDonald and Mr Hughes” (the American Secretary of State) seems certain, but this would mean an end of Japan’s influence in China. Therefore, argues the newspaper, one must expect Japanese intervention in favour of Chang Tsolin against Great Britain and America. Japan cannot stand alone; she will seek friends. “First of all Japan will endeavour to secure her safety by an arrangement with the Soviet Union. Her interests unquestionably dictate this course.”