BRITISH FORCES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 56, 3 February 1927, Page 7

BRITISH FORCES.

CONCENTRATION IN CHINA.

OBJECTION BY EUGENE CHEN.

NEGOTIATIONS BROKEN OFF.

(By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.)

Received February 3, 9.50 a.m. SHANGHAI, Feb. 2

Mr Eugene Clien, the representative of the Canton Government, in a statement to Mr O’Malley, the British emissary, breaking off negotiations, declares “Since the negotiations regarding the future status of. the British concession at Hankow began on January 12 a singular concentration of armed British forces has been progressing at Shanghai with the alleged object of the protection of British lives and property in the event of their being endangered by the forcible occupation of the international settlement at Shanghai, but it is significant that though the Japanese and the Americans have large vital interests in the same place they have not found it necessary to resort to the massing of armed forces there.

“In its manifesto of January 22 the Nationalist Government declared that it was its intention to have all questions relating to the treaty and other cognate matters settled by negotiation and agreement. This impliedly covered, and was so intended to cover the question of the future status of the international settlement at Shanghai, which it was not and never has been within the contemplation of the Government Ho occupy by force.

“It was believed that this might lead to a cessation or at 'least a slowing down of the massing of British forces in China, and accordingly the Nationalist Government decided to take no notice of what might appear to be not only a menacing but a provocative operation by the British, and negotiations were proceeded with. However, on January 29 the Minister of Foreign Affairs had occasion formally to raise the question of this concentration of armed forces. In reply to the proposals outlined by Mr O’Malley for a revision of certain British treaty rights, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that the proposals envisaged only a fragmentary revision ( of some of the treaty of servitude affecting China, and that, while the Nationalist Government could not regard such revision as satisfactory or adequate, it nevertheless was prepared to consider and discuss the terms outlined as the basis of a comprehensive and reasoned settlement of the existing differences between national China and the British provided, inter alia, that the discussion and negotiations took place in an atmosphere free from the intimidation necessarily involved in the present concentration by Britain of fighting forces. Continued concentration of the forces referred to as the Chinese expeditionary force as well as certain military information relating to the British plan of war operation in Chna which has now come to the knowledge of the Nationalist Government makes it impossible for the Nationalist Government to view the British concentration at Shanghai except as an act of coercion directed against the Chinese Nationalists.

“To sign any agreement under these circumstances would be tantamount to signing under duress and force. No agreement so signed could be real and effective. The Nationalist Government must perforce await the ending of this period of duress before authorising the signing of an agreement which will settle the status of the portion of the Chinese territory known as the British concession at Hankow.

“This period could be ended immediately or any time by the British Government re-envisaging the effect on the Nationalist mind of the present concentration of their military and naval forces at Shanghai.”—A. and N.Z. cable.

SPAIN’S REPLY. WILL CO-OPERATE WITH POWERS. _ MADRID, Feb. 1. Replying to the British Government’s memorandum regarding- China, the Spanish Government agrees with the British proposals with regard to the immediate application of Custom's surtaxes and a gradual modification of extra-territoriality, provided adequate guarantees are given regarding Spanish nationals residing in China. The Government is of opinion that, in view of the present situation in China, a political declaration by all the Powers adhering to the Washington Convention would be a delicate matter, but Spain would not break the desired unanimity if the Powers more directly interested reached an agreement regarding such a declaration.—A. and N.Z. cable.

REGIMENTS FROM MALTA. COULD PREVENT POSSIBLE TROUBLE. MALTA, Feb. 1. The 2nd Border, Ist Bedford, and Hertford Regiments left for Shanghai aboard the Megantic in the highest spirits. The transport had a tremendous send-off as she moved through a line of battleships to the strains of “Shanghai” and “Auld Lang Syne,” the crews of the battleships and crowds ashore cheering heartily. Major-General Duncan is of opinion there will bo no trouble in China, as the force being sent is quite sufficient to prevent it.-—A. and N.Z. cable.

TO NEGOTIATE NEW TREATY. COMMISSION TO BE APPOINTED. NEW YORK, Fob. 1. The New \ork World says that President Coolidgo has under consideration the appointment of a commission to negotiate a new treaty, which will supersede those against which China is revolting, without waiting for the establishment of a central government. It is felt in Washington that such action will meet the demands of Dr Wellington Koo for an explicit declaration showing the United States’ sincere intention of divorcing itself from the extra-territoriality statutes. There is ’no present intention that such a connnisison should function before China is in a position to name delegates to meet the commissioners, but the appointment of the commission is designed to give assurance to the Chinese.—A. and N.Z. cable.

INDIAN PROTESTS. DESPATCH OF TROOPS. DELHI, Feb. 1. While Calcutta hitherto has been calm, meetings of protest have been held at Bombay and Madras protesting against the despatch of Indian troops to China. —A. and N.Z. cable.

DESPATCH OF BRITISH TROOPS. CHINESE MINISTER’S COMMENT. PARIS, Feb. 1. Cheng Lcli, the Chinese Minister, cannot comprehend why Britain is sending troops to China, involving the risk of grave consequences. He prefers the more frank attitude of the United States, France and Japan, though he regrets that Japan has not clearly declared her intentions.—A. and N.Z. cable.