CHINESE CRISIS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10640, 13 July 1920, Page 6

CHINESE CRISIS

MILITARY POSITION WORSE EIMPEROR IN DANGER. Australian and N.Z, Cable Association. TIENTSIN, July 10. At Marshal Tuan Chi Jui’s instance, the President has dismissed General Wet, and deprived General Tsao Qun of’military rank. Portions of Tuan’s troops are advancing against the armies of his opponents, based upcii Paoting-fu, from which the American missionaries are withdrawing under orders. Hostilities are imminent. Tuan has secured a considerable amount of financial help, which is of vital importance, as tho Chinese soldiers invariably decline to fight unless they are paid in advance. Tuan guarantees the safety of foreigners and the population of Pekin, where tho situation is easier, though complicated. The Aeroplane Corps at Pekin has decided to co-oper-ato with Tuan in the event of bombing machines being sent to Paoting-fu. Meanwhile the Chinese expect that Tuan’s opponents will take refuge in Tientsin. PEKIN, July H. The diplomatic corps has warned tho Chinese Government that in the event of an uprising there must be no fighting within tho city, and Pekin must not be subject to bombardment. United Service Telegram. (Received July 13, 2 a.m.) LONDON, July 12. The “Daily Mail’s” Tientsin correspondent reports that the position in worse. Three thousand Tuan Chi Jui troops are confronting the army commanded by Tsaokim Wupeifu, at Tingching, 54 miles south-west of Pekin. An early battle is-expected. Panic prevails in Pekin, where martial law has been proclaimed. Terrorstricken Chinese are leaving the city in thousands, and pouring into Tientsin. Tuan Chi Jui is bellicose, and the bloodthirsty attitude of the troops has compelled the stoppage of all trains.

The American authorities have ordered tho evacuation of white residents in the Paoting-fu district. Pekin reports state that ten thousand troops have arrived as a bodyguard for tho Emperor. Tho population have lost their heads, and hordes are storming the hospitals and foreign hotels for refuge. Business is at a standstill. London military circles regard the situation as serious. Tuan Chi Jui is credited with being of monarchical and imperial ambitions, and is tho most powerful man in China. The Emperor is a mere puppet. It is believed that the Legation forces are sufficiently powerful to protect English residente.