PEKIN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 9 June 1927, Page 5

PEKIN

PREPARATION IN DEFENCE AGAINST CANTONESE UNITED STATES' ATTITUDE, CAUSING CONCERN (By Electric Telegraph-Copyright) (Australian & N.Z. Cable Association) SHANGHAI, 7th June. The greatest concern is felt in foreign circles at Pekin as the result of uncertainty as to the United States' policy. There are continued rumours as to American evacuation, and matters are still in the balance. The United States minister, ;Mr Mncmurray, favours defending the legation in co-operation with Britain, Japan, France, and others, but Washington's orders insisting that no shot be iired en the Cantonese is tantamount 10 nn evacuation order. Defence other .vise is farcical. Telegrams are being exchanged between Pekin and Washington by which it is hoped authority will be given, to hold the legation by every means a\aiiable. ,;..,/ v Meanwhile .British, Japanese, French andl-Italians .are preparing to defend'the legation quarter. Ex-servicemen are rallying'to assist regulars sent' as -i protection. ..... Reports from the fronts are scarce. There is no sign of the Nortiwrners rallying. A compromise was discussed, but'in view of their successes It is rot thoughL the, Southerners will abandon their purpose of taking Pekin ami ousting the Pekin Government. FIGHTING ON lIONAN FRONT HONG KONG, 7th June A naval wireless from Hankow states that further fighting appears to have broken out on the Honan front. Wounded Nationalists are arriving in large numbers. It is reported that many hundreds were killed on both sides.