CHAOS IN CHINA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19530, 13 July 1925, Page 7

CHAOS IN CHINA

STEAMER CREWS ON STRIKE. SCARCITY OF FOOD. Pren» Association —By Telegraph—Copyrigafc. PEKING, July 10. The movement of strikers from Hongkong to Canton has ended, as the crews of the Hongkong and. Canton steamers have been called oil in order to break off all communications, food is scarce in Canton, and prices are soaring.—Reuter. PROTEST AGAINST RIOTING. JAPAN TAKES ACTION. BOMB EXPLOSION. PEKING, July 10. The Japanese Minister has strongly protested to the Chinese Government against the Hankow, Kiukiang, ChinMang-, Chungking, and Canton riots, reserving the right to demand compensation for the loss of life and damage to Japanese property when fully investigated. Two bombs were thrown into the premises occupied by the Wingkee Company, ships’ compradores, Hongkong, and exploded on the counter, _ which .Was smashed, together with chairs, windows, and desks. There were no casual Has. — Renter. PLANS FOR CONQUEST. USE OF RUSSIAN AVIATORS PROPOSED. CANTON, JnJy 10. (Received July 12, at 5.5 p®.) It is reported that the commander of the Whampoa cadets has submitted to the Chinese plans with a view to the capture of Shamien and Kowloon simultaneously with the assistance of _ expert Russian aviators. The Chinese claim that Sha:nien could he captured at the expense of 1000 Chinese lives. ; ; Expert military opinion declares that the Shamien defences render the- conces- - sion tenable against all possible attacks on the part of the Chinese with the forojs now at their disposal.—Reuter. OUTLOOK BRIGHTER. SHORTAGE OF STRIKE FUNDS. PEKING, July 1L (Received July 12, at 5.5 p-m.) The situation in Shanghai is more hopefnl. , .■>. . There is believed to be a shortage of strike funds. The union approached the Chamber of Commerce and the banks for funds to oa<rry on. It is understood that it i» ordering the men to resume work for others than the Anglo-Japahese with a view to cutting down the expenditure. Glowing- dissection is reported among the strike leaders owing to the alleged misappropriation of money. . . . ; . Ti e day was quiet, though intimidation and kidnapping continue. ' Ti e train situation has improved at Fengtien. . Tie commander of the Shanghai-Woo-sung defence force and the chief of the consiiabulary have jointly issued a proclamation exhorting the strikers to resume their vocations and warning loafers disturbing the peace that they will bo severely punished.—Reuter. , POSITION AT CANTON, FURTHER TROUBLE EXPECTED. PEKING, July 11. (Received July 12, at ILI P*™*) The French Minister has resigned from the commission appointed by the Powers to negotiate regarding the Shanghai affair. . , The French legation has issued an explanation that a divergence of interprettion has arisen between the diplomatic body and the Shanghai municipal council as to the powers of the council and in what relation it stands to the legations at Piking. The legations hold the opinion that the powers of the council are purely of an administrative nature and that the power of an international settlement rests with the interested Governments, whose representatives at Shanghai are the Consuls, subject to the authority of the legations, while the municipal council holds that it is only responsible to the ratepayers. . , The French Minister considers that pending a settlement of this controversy it is useless to start negotiations. Canton reports that inflammatory posters are displayed, depicting Indian soldiers killing Chinese, with weeping women and children watching the .massacre,, and also many official picturesof dead, including women and children. The city is quiet, but there is reason to believe that further trouble is brewing.—Reuter. BRITISH GOVERNMENTS VIEWVERDICT ON SHANGHAI EVENTS DESIRED. LONDON, July 12. (Received July 12, at 11.5 p.m.) The Observer, regarding the troubles m China, says the British Government’s view is that a final impartial verdict bn Shanghai events should be pronounced as soon as possible. Since the investigations started in Shanghai they were thwarted by a Chinese attempt to open irrevalent issues, and since those started in Peking have thus far been delayed by the refusal of th; Chinese to participate there may be a case for new international inquiryBy whatever means, however, the- Bn tish Government would welcome a verdict and chide by it, whether or not it involved the censure of any British official. —A. and N.Z, Cable.