TROUBLED CHINA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20391, 21 October 1929, Page 11

TROUBLED CHINA.

MUTINOUS BATTALIONS.

JAPANESE PRECAUTIONS. Australian Press Association—United Borvice SHANGHAI. Oct. 18. Troops of the Nationalist Government, comprising several battalions stationed at Wuhu, a river port on the lower Yangtse, in the Amvhei province, mutinied last evening. They immediately commenced looting, which they continued throughout the night, plunging the city into panic. Frantic appeals for assistance from Japanese residents, wfio number several hundred, brought the Japanese warships Fushimi and Hotsu to the scene. Naval forces were landed and posted at the Japanese Consulate and residences. Other Japanese gunboats aro on the way to Wuhu.

The cause of the mutiny is not certain. Anti-Nanking propagandists are blamed. The rebel forces are continuing their advance in a fanlike formation from the north toward the Yangtse. Preliminary clashes have already been reported.

All British women and children at Wuhu have been taken on board the British gunboat Cricket as a precautionary measure. Owing to the interruption of communications details are still lacking.

SITUATION IMPROVES.

FOREIGNERS BELIEVED SAFE. Australian and N.Z. Press Association. (Received October 20, 7.5 p.m.) SHANGHAI. Oct. 19. The situation at Wuhu is now reported to be quiet. The mutinous troops have been held in check by local Government forces! All the foreign residents are believed to be safe. Precautions are being taken to have British women and children accommodated on gunboats. The rebellion of the Kuominchun forces in the north has not been active to-day. The opposing forces are merely taking up positions. The Government is confident of restoring order, but political observers are sceptical.