WHAT THE CHINESE WANT

New Zealand Times, Volume LIV, Issue 12659, 20 January 1927, Page 7

WHAT THE CHINESE WANT

* “CANCELLATION OF- UNEQUAL TREATIES” BY THE POWERS

“A GREAT HISTORIC WRONG”

CANTON LEADER APPEALS TO BRITAIN TO TAKE THE LEAD

A clear declaration of the objects of the Chinese Natiqnalists in their campaign against foreigners, and particularly against the British, has been made by Mr Eugene Chen, Prime Minister of the Canton Government.

By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received January 19, 7.15 p.m.) LONDON, January 18. The ‘‘Daily Express” 'publishes a special despatch from Mr Eugene Chen, in which, describing the recent events in Hankow, he charges the British with boycotting several Chinese forming part of a loyal crowd on the boundary of the British Concession. He also gives details of the events which led to the Chinese Municipal Commission taking charge of affair*., and goes on to say that ‘‘Britain in the first place subjected China to the political and economic conti-ol of the West, typical features of which were expressed in the British control of the Chinese Customs, extra-territori-ality of alien-administered settlements, and other limitations of Chinese sovereignty contained in unequal treaties. The country is so controlled that it is fettered, and obviously is not independent. “Chinese Nationalism therefore demands the handing back of the lost independence of China. Pur terms are the cancellation of the unequal treaties upon which the regime of foreign imperialism in China is based.

“The situation arising out of the now status quo in the Concession is not only profoundly significant as an act in history but it is a direct summons to British statesmanship to take a lead in recognising the justice of the Nationalist demand for Chinese independence, and to proceed to redress a great historic wrong. “I categorically repudiate the suggestion that British humiliation is desired h,v us. We demand a settlement of the question of the Concession which shall not deny its effective reincorporation within the Chinese territorial system, subject to the Nationalist recognition of the validity of all property rights of British nationals in the Concession.” Published in “The Times." SHANGHAI, January 18. Eugene Chen, despite his birth in a British possession, has long been violently anti-British, He voiced proGerman views as a correspondent of a Peking newspaper in war time. He subsequently edited the “People’s Tribune” in Peking and villified the British as murderers, robbers, and Iters. He went to Canton after imprisonment for falsely reporting Chang Tso-lin’s death, and speedily became Prime Minister.

BRITAIN, WHATEVER OTHERS DO, WILL PROTECT HER OWN

_ (Received January 19, 8.20 p.m.) LONDON, January. 19. Sir Douglas Hogg, the AttorneyGeneral, speaking in the East End, 1 declared that the Government’s paramount duty was to see that the liberties of our people in China were projected. Personally, he hoped we might be able to negotiate an honourable understanding, but we must be prepared to face an alternative. There were in Shanghai alone some 1600 British subjects a’nd many millions’ worth of British property, and if the Chinese authorities refused to safeguard their lives it became the duty of the Government itself to protect British interests. It was obvious that such a decision would involve, possibly, grave consequences. A PLAIN WARNING (Sydney “Sun” Cable.) The Government’s policy regarding China is unchanged; it is still based on the Memorandum of December, Baid Sir Douglas Hogg in his speech in London. “If the invitation we have offered is accepted the Chinese authorities will not find us either ungenerous or unreasonable, but if they should he encouraged by our' forbearance at Hankow into the belief that simalar events can be repeated at Shanghai or elsewhere, then it is the Government’s paramount duty to see that British lives and property are protected.” , The “Daily Telegraph’s” diplomatic correspondent says it is realised in Government circles that preparations for cgping with any grave emergencies must be made in good time, whether naval, military, or aerial. If any Power is not conscious | of'its responsibilities, or is unwilling to shoulder them, Britain, it is asserted, will certainly shoulder her share. CRUISERS ORDERED TO CHINA When the First Cruiser ‘ Squadron arrives in China the strength will he brought up to 13 cruisers, with an aircraft-carrier, eight destroyers, and other units. Nearly one-half of the cruisers in full commission will he concentrated in Chinese waters, and the number of naval ratings will exceed 10,000.

(Received January 19, 7.15 p.tfi.) MALTA, January 18. The cruiser squadron, with the exception of the Dauntless, sails for China to-morrow. The Dauntless will rejoin the squadron later. The hospital ship Maine, at present in dock, will proceed to China shortly. MARINES READY TO SAIL (Received January 19, 7.15 p.m.) LONDON, January 18. One thousand marines at the Chatham, Plymouth, and Portsmouth depots are ready to proceed to China, and may sail next week. It is officially emphasised that the dispatch of these marines, if they go, does not indicate offensive measures, hut simply a precautionary measure against rioting and for the defence of British life ana property. The dispatch of the cruisers is similarly intended. ’ The “Evening News” states tiiat the Admiralty has chartered transports to convey all available marines to China. The first transport is sailing f(om_Portsmouth on January 21st. FRANCE WILL CO-OPERATE (Received January 19, 8.20 p.m.) LONDON, January 18. M. Briand and the Marquess of Crewe discussed the Chinese situatidltat length in 1 Paris "yesterday. Mi' Briand said Ffanee was prepared to cte operate with the British for the defence of lives and property in Shanghai. MISSIONARIES RISKING IT SHANGHAI, January 18. Despite the evacuation order missionary men and women and children are staying at Chengtu. The Consul and Vice-Consul are leaving on January 21st. Only six women remain at Chungking. r BELGIUM CONCEDING LITTLE PEKING, January 18. Regarding the Belgian offer to hand over its Tientsin concession to China, it is interesting to note that the China Year Book for 1926 gives the population as: Foreigners ml, Chinese 2000. The territory is this infinitesimal, and the Belgian action thus merely a friendly gesture.