CHINESE CIVIL WAR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18079, 2 May 1922, Page 7

CHINESE CIVIL WAR.

FURTHER HEAVY FIGHTING.

PROTECTION OF RAILWAY.

ALLIES READY TO ACT. By Tolcsranh—Press Association—Copyrisht (Kecuived B.li p.m.) A. ami N.Z. NEW YORK. April TO. The Tientsin correspondent of the Chicago Tribune reports that heavy Pghting continues at three points, being heaviest at Changsinticn. The fighting consists chiefly of riflo and machine-gun firing across waterways, indicating that neither side is able to effect a crossing. Heavy movements of troops continue through Tientsin to Langfane and Machang. The French gunboat Craonne has arrived. A British volunteer corps was mobilised today, arms and equipment being issued. Tt was ordered to report for duty on Monday afternoon.

Following the declaration of martini law_ at Pckin tho diplomatic body met to discuss precautionary measures. It was decided to await a rep'y from tho Chinese Foreign Office on the warning against fighting in Pekin.

Tho commanders of the Allied troops at Tientsin reported that they are ready to seize the Pekin-Tientsin railway if traffic is interrupted. The American Legation suggested that tho United States send an additional gunboat to Tientsin.

Tho President, Hsu Shib Chang, has issued three proclamations. Ono orders tho opposing forces to withdraw in view of the demoralisation of tho nation's industry ; tho second asks tho Pekin gendarmerie to take adequate measures to protect the metropolitan area of Pckin, and it emphasises tho need for protecting the lives and property of foreigners.