CANTONESE ASSURANCES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19604, 5 April 1927, Page 9

CANTONESE ASSURANCES.

! NOT TO BE TRUSTED. DISILLUSIONED AMERICANS. BUSINESS MEN'S STATEMENT. CONCILIATORY POLICY FUTILE. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received April 4, 11.11 p.m.) A. and N.Z. .SHANGHAI, April 4. The members of the American Chamber of Commerce at Shanghai have issued a statement to the effect that the repeated assurances given by militarists and the spokesmen of Chinese political factions that they can and will protect the lives and property of foreigner:; are irreconcilable with recent events. These, they urge, have led to the necessity for the evacuation of foreigners from the whole of the.Yangtse Valley. ,v The statement says the adoption of a conciliatory policy by the foreign Governments merely strengthens the lawless elements and encourages the perpetration of outrages like that at Nanking. Of all the cities in the Yangtse Valley they say Shanghai alone is comparatively safe for foreigners. This is due entirely to the presence of foreign warships and troops. It is obvious that a protective policy which applies to Shanghai alone will not enable China to put her house in order," Continues the statement. " Nor will it prevent enormous losses through the evacuation of the interior districts. We are convinced that the future welfare of the Chinese people, and the ultimate safety of Americans and other foreigners in China, can be attained only by unified action on the part of the Powers to suppress disorder and restore conditions favourable to the formation of a responsible Government." DESPATCH OF TROOPS. OFFICIAL EXPLANATION. ENFORCEMENT OF DEMANDS. A. and N.Z. LONDON, April 3. The diplomatic correspondent of the Observer says it is explained in official quarters that the despatch of more British troops to China does not foroshadow any change in Britain's policy, A distinction is made between the Nanking outrages and the general Chinese problem. The Nanking episode, says the correspondent, is regarded as merely an interruption of the larger diplomatic activities. Nevertheless, it w*s so serious that the Government hat decided to exact redress. Elsewhere it is pointed out that it is essential there should be an adequate force on the spot when a demand is made for reparation for the Nanking outrages. The troops who are defending Shanghai cannot be withdrawn for duty in other directions and they are none too numerous fy their present policing work. TROUBLE ANTICIPATED. TENSION AT SHANGHAI. WARNING TO SHIPS* OFFICERS. A. and N.Z. SHANGHAI. April 8. The threatening nature of the situation at Shanghai is indicated by a warning given by the British Consul-Genera!, Mr. S. Barton, to officers of the British mercantile marine. The latter had threatened to tie up the coastal vessels in China because of a reduction ,in their pay which had been made by the companies. The Consul warned representatives of the officers that their contemplated action would be unpatriotic and would imperil the lives of women and children who might be compelled to take refuge on British ships in the harbour at any moment in the event of the receipt of a vital message from Britain. The officers thereupon agreed to return to their ships, sink their grievances and keep up steam in anticipation of a national emergency.