CHINESE REVOLT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22603, 16 December 1936, Page 14

CHINESE REVOLT

TROOPS ON MOVE GOVERNORS' LOYALTY REPORT OF COUNTER-MOVE PETITION IN SHANGHAI By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright (Received December 15, 7.15 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 14 The Daily Telegraph's Nanking correspondent reports that thousands of troops, equipped with German trench helmets obtained by barter, and in full war kit, are streaming northward to drive a wedge between the rebels and the Communists. The Government intends to consolidate the military situation before negotiating with the rebels. The Governors of the provinces of Shansi, Hopei and Shantung have assured the Government of their loyalty and readiness to assist in the suppression of the rebels. Thirty Government war aeroplanes flew over Sianfu to-day and dropped leaflets demanding that General Chiang Kai-shek be removed to safety. The general was not released. He sent a telegram to his wife saying: "1 am safe. Do not worry." It is reported that Marshal Chang Hsueh-liang has agreed to confer with Mr. W. H. Donald, an Australian journalist who, in the capacity of adviser to the President, has arrived at Sianfu by'air in the hope of securing Marshal Chiang Kai-shek's release. The Berlin correspondent of the Times says newspapers give prominence to the mutiny as a proof that Bolshevism is raising its "bloody head" throughout the world and is justifying the Nazis' attitude. / An unconfirmed report stated yesterday that a counter-revolt resulted in the release of General Chiang Kai-shek and the arrest of Marshal Chang Hsuehliang.

A petition is being signed by 100,000 persons in Shanghai against further yielding to Japanese aggression, demanding that the Government should immediately mobilise the resources of the uation for defence.

The petition insists on the abrogation of the agreements establishing demilitarised zones in Shanghai and along the Great Wall, and demands the cessation of unauthorised Japanese flights over Chinese territory. An assurance that the Japanese will cease illegal military movements in China is also demanded.