SOUTH CHINA AND POWERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18577, 8 December 1923, Page 11

SOUTH CHINA AND POWERS

SOT YAT SEN'S MENACES.

RESOLVED TO SEIZE CUSTOMS

PREPARED TO RISK WAR.

By Telesraoh—Press Association—CopyricM A. and N.Z. PEKING, Doc. 8. It is understood that foreign admirals are prepared to act vigorously if Dr. Sun Yat Sen interferes with the Canton Customs, the maintenance of which is vital to foreign commerce and tho payment of the foreign debt. Diplomats havo already warned Dr. Sum Yat Sen that his claims are untenable. He hinted at an active alliance with Russia, and expressed his readiness to r throw down the gauntlet to the foreign Powers. He declared that his situation for war was excellent, but money w&s needed. The Canton Government would not be able to •hodlder the whole burden of the fight. The Hongkong correspondent of tho Times interviewed Dr. Sun Yat Sen, who raid that for the good of the Government ho decided to seize the Canton Customs revenue. If the officials refused to surrender he would appoint others. Asked when ho would act thus, he replied, " Probably in a few days." Asked what, about the nine British, French, Amencan, and Japanese gunboatsnow at Canton, ho replied that he did not hope to be able to overcome such an array of foreign might, but it would be an honour to be defeated by the combined Powers. He would then play his second card, hinting at Russian intervention. Ho was determined by any means to gain his objective, namely, a share of the Chinese revenue surplus, and argued that the Powers were responsible for the continuance of China's strife by morally and financially supporting the Peking Government.

NAVAL CONCENTRATION.

SHIPS OF FIVE POWERS.

AMERICAN PARTICIPATION.

Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Reed. 6.5 p.m.) . NEW YORK, Dec. 6. Advices from Peking state the United States naval vessels have joined those of Japan, Italy, Britain, and France, which are concentrating at Canton to prevent Dr. Sun Yat Sen's threatened seizure of the customs house, the foreign control of which Dr. Sun Yat Sen has long resented. Meanwhile British marines have reinforced a French landing party -which garrisoned the building. Other foreign gunboats stood by in support of the disembarkation.