THE CHINESE PUZZLE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20283, 16 December 1927, Page 11

THE CHINESE PUZZLE

TACT OF BRITISH TROOPS. CONDUCT MOST EXEMPLARY. (British Official Wireless.) (Press Association—By Telegraph Copyright.) . RUGBY, December 14. Commodore King (Financial Secretary to the War Office) moved the vo of £3,090,000 to meet, during the present financial year, the excess costs involved in the employment of the extra troops in China. Giving the details of the composition of the force which was sent to China, he said that the very presence of these troops had undoubtedly had a very steadying effect. When the decreases, which were decided on in July, had taken effect the strength of the force remaining in China, in addition to the garrison, would be eight infantry battalions, of —hich five would be stationed at Shanghai, with the of the supporting artillery and auxiliaries. It was impossible to forecast the future, but the conditions were always being carefully watched. The whole force could not be removed until a Government in China could assure us that it was both able and willing to give adequate protection to our Nationals in dealing with riots and civil commotion. The troops, under difficult conditions, had acted with the greatest tact and restraint, and had lived up to the very highest traditions of the British Army. Despite the imperfect living conditions and few opportunities for training and recreation, th<- discipline of troops had been excellent, and their conduct most exemplary. The health of the troops had, on the whole, been satisfactory, with the exception of an outbreak of pneumonia in the earlier months of occupation. labourites urge withdrawal. TREAT CHINA AS AN EQUAL. LONDON, December 14. (Received Dec. 15, at 10 p.m.) Debating th e item of £3,090,000 on the Supplementary Estimates for China, seve. ral Labourites urged the withdrawal of the force, and the treatment of China as an Lloyd George said that he was firmly convinced that no Government confronted by the same conditions could have failed to send an expedition to China. It would have been utterly futile to back up one of the rival generals or bandits. Mr Locker-Lampson, replying to the debate, said that Britain was prepared to arant China tariff autonomy and surrender Weihaiwoi directly any body was available to negotiate with The vote was earned by 242 to IUO. A. and N.Z. Cable. RELEASE OF CAPTAIN LALOR. TRIBUTE TO MR TOCHER. RUGBY, December 14. In a communique stating that Captain Lalor was released yesterday from the Chinese pirates and is proceeding to Hankow in the British gunboat Bee, the Admiralty takes the occasion to pay a tribute to the Rev. Forbes Tocher, who was instrumental in effecting his release. The communique says that Mr Tocher acted with fearless determination and perseverance under most difficult conditions. He was most loyally supported by two Chinese. BANDITS STEAL BRITISH TUG. SEVERAL OF THE CREW SHOT. SHANGHAI, December 15. (Received Dec. 16, at 1.30 a.m.) Within 24 hours of Captain Lalor’s release bandits swooped down on a British tug in the vicinity of Captain Lalor’s capture, and demanded the surrender of the British captain for ransom. When ho was not forthcoming they shot several of the crew and carried off two as hostages after having looted the vessel. A British gunboat pursued the bandits, and a number of them were slain. The st"lo n hunch was recovered. —A. and N.Z. Cable.