WITHDRAWAL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 20 May 1927, Page 5

WITHDRAWAL

BRITISH MINISTER AT HANKOW

REASONS TOR ACTION

DETAILED IN NOTE

(By Electric Telegraph—Copyright)

("Sun" Cable.)

SHANGHAI, 18th May

The statement given out by the British consular authorities in explanation of the withdrawal from Hankow of the British .Minister to the Hankow Government, declares that the British Government hail gone out of its way to meet the aspirations of the Hankow Government, yet within a Few months of tho 'Minister's arrival the Concession was overrun, while southern troops admitted for the purpose of restoring order remained in unjustified possession. Nevertheless, in order to furnish further evidence irf willingness to put relations with all sections of the Chinese on a proper footing an' agreement was made surrendering the greater part of the safeguards hitherto maintained for British nationals and placing their responsibility in the hands <A the Southern authorities. The Note continues: "Despite continuous proof of sincerity and goodwill' 'by the British •Government, the conditions of British subjects in areas controlled by Hankow became worse. Tho campaign of abuse and antiBritish propaganda continued until general insecurity of trade and property, and even life, reached ft point where British subjects were forced to evacuate every port west of Hankow. The province* of Hunan was reduced to a state of almost complete anarchy. Other provinces suffered likewise in proportion to the extent of Communist influence which invaded them from Hankow. Of the conditions in Hankow itself it is hardly necessary to speak. The port s trade if almost at a standstill, whilst the withdrawal of so many residents gives evidence of a general feeling of insecurity, despite assurances to the contrary. The British Concession of Chinkiang is overrun, and British propertv and the consulate occupied. Ihe climax which shocked the civilised world was reached when the murderous 'outrages at Nanking were committed." ~..., ~ The Note continues: While no change has occurred in the British policy towards the legitimate aspirations of tile Chinese people wherever authoritativelv enunciated, it is clear that those I for whom vou speak have failed to make good their claim to govern in accordance with the standards of responsible modern government. They have even shirked the responsibility of accepting the studiously moderate terms presented to them for a settlement of the outrages in Nanking. His Majesty's Government accordingly is forced to the conclusion which we now convey to. you, that my retention as representative of r**s Majesty's Foreign Minister under a regime so totally incapable of discharging the responsibilities of civilised Government is both useless and undesirable. In accordance with instructions I therefore am leaving Hankow forthwith."

INDIAN RED CROSS ASSISTANCE

DELHI, 18th May. The Hindu Social Workers' Society is sending an ambulance corps to China to do such work among the Chinese sick and wounded as is recognised by the Red Cross Society throughout India. The All India Congress Committee composed of nationalist political parties, is demanding that the Government of India should withdraw Indian troops from China.