CHINA’S CIVIL WAR

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 149, 24 May 1928, Page 7

CHINA’S CIVIL WAR

BRITAIN’S ATTITUDE

STR LOT NEUTRALITY

STATEMENT BY FOI i EIG N SECRETARY,

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) (British Official Wireless.) Received May 24, 9.20 a.m. RUGBY, May 22.

Further information questions were put to Sir Austen Cliamoerlain in tho House of Commons regarding the British policy toward the contending parties in China. Sir Walter De Frece, Conservative member for Blackpool, asked whethci the British Government would consider the desirability of informing both the contending parties in China that its attitude of self-defence was unaltered and that it had no intention of associating itself with the military operations of other Powers, either in respect of China proper, or of Manchuria. Sir Austen Chamberlain replied: “Tho policy of strict neutrality toward the various contending parties adopted by the British Government remains unaltered.

“We have no intention of being involved in any form of intervention. Our ono desire is to see a peaceful and united China, and any military measures taken by us arc, and have always been, solely for the protection of British lives and property.*

“This policy has been frequently stated and is, I believe, now fully understood by all the parties in China. 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.

CHANG’S PLANS. .

PANIC IN PEKIN ALLEVIATED. (Australian Press Association—United Service.) Received May 24, 10.10 a.m. SHANGHAI, May 23. Marshal Chairg-Tso-lin’s announcemoilt of his determination to stand and fight the Southern forces lias seemingly altered the complexion of Northern affairs and considerably alleviated the panic in Pekin and Tientsin. It has also caused the Southerners to readjust their plans. Reports from the North state that the Southerners are meeting stubborn resistance at points where they have clashed with the Norherners. T’ing-Yuh-siang's forces flanking necessitated a slight Northern retreat, otherwise tho battle lines are unchanged. .It is rumoured that Chang-Tso-lm has made overtures to the Shansi Governor, Yen Hish-sau, offering Pekin in return for an alliance against -the South, which confirms the general belief that without assistance Chaug-Tso-lin is doomed.