TURMOIL IN CHINA

Otago Witness, Issue 3804, 8 February 1927, Page 29

TURMOIL IN CHINA

PROPOSALS TO NATIONALIST GOVERNMENT. REPLY BY MR CHEN. r SHANGHAI, February 4. The British proposals for a settlement have been handed to Mr Chen, accompanied by the following: “When a satisfactory settlement has been reached in respect of the British concessions at Hankow and Kiukiang, when the assurances have been given by the National .Government that they will not countenance any alteration, except by negotiation, of the status of the British concessions and the international settlements, His Majesty’s Government will be prepared to proceed at once on the lines indicated in the enclosure hereto, a large part of which is desired of them by the Chinese Nationalist Party. So liberal and generous a step cannot in their view be regarded otherwise than as an earnest of the fair and conciliatory spirit with .which they are animated,” Mr Chen, in the course of his reply tommunicated to Mr O’Malley, states that his Government is prepared to consider and discuss the terms outlined as a basis of a comprehensive and reasoned settlement of the existing differences between Britain and China, provided the terms relating to the concessions and the international settlements and other matters of exceptional character and implication are not .discussed by local or other Chinese authorities, who cannot represent Nationalist China and its organ of leadership, the Chinese Nationalist Party. His Majesty’s Government invites the National Government to regard the step proposed as an earnest of a conciliatory spirit. It is not easy to reconcile this claim with the feverish concentration of British forces now progressing, and the consequent war atmosphere and war neurosis created.

PEKING DRAFT TREATY. ; SUBMITTED TO JAPAN. ! TOKIO, February 4. The Foreign Office is now considering the Peking draft treaty, in which China frankly sets out her desires regarding future relations. It is understood that the Government .. regards the draft as wholly negotiable. China's proposals are drastic, nevertheless there is reason to believe that they will be generally acceptable. The final decision depends on the outcome of the Anglo-Sino situation. Well-informed circles now fear complications at Shanghai, pointing out that simultaneously protests have been received from Peking, Shanghai, and Hankow against the invasion by the British defence forces. Notwithstanding the pro-British movement in the Upper House seeking active naval and military cooperation the Japanese Government’s position is firmly maintained. SEIZURE OF IRON MINE. ANTI-JAPANESE BLOW. TOKIO, February 5. It is reported that Chinese Nationalists are planning to seize Hanyehping, an iron mine above Hankow. This is vastly worrying the Japanese, who see therein the first heavy anti-Japanese blow. This mine is practically the sole source of pig iron for the Japanese Government’s steel plants, in which hundreds of millions of yen is invested. Japan’s interest in the mine is safeguarded by a treaty forming an important part of those interest! in China which Mr Shidehara has declared that Japan must protect. AN ALARMING OUTLOOK. PESSIMISTIC JAPANESE REPORTS. TOKIO, February 5. Acting on information of which the public is ignorant, the Admiralty ordered 300 marines to board the cruiser Tenryn and proceed to Sasebo, and with four destroyers there hold themselves in readiness to go on to Shanghai at the shortest notice. The Japanese correspondents in China are sending gloomy reports if the situation both in Peking and Hankow. The Navy Department reports that there is probable schism in the Cantonese ranks with the Extremists taking control. Other reports state that agitators are flocking to Shanghai to precipitate trouble. NAVAL AND MILITARY FORCES. SINGAPORE, February 3The First Cruiser Squadron and the Second Battalion of the Durhams have left for Shanghai. EARTHQUAKES IN SHANGHAI. SUPERSTITIOUS FEARS AROUSED. PEKING, February 3. : Severe earthquake shocks were felt in Shanghai this morning. Buildings rocked for hall a - minute. No damage is reported. Another shock, which lasted for 70sec, was felt at 1 p.m. The local observatory

states that the earthquakes are centred from 150 to 200 miles west or north-west of Shanghai, and are not considered serious. LONDON, -February 3. The Shanghai correspondent of the Daily Express, in a special cable message, states that the earth tremors coming at the period of the New Year celebrations have thrown the superstitious Chinese into a state of consternation. These earth manifestations are regarded as foreshadowing a change of the Chinese dynasty and- serious misfortune to the country. This, with British troops steaming to China and the country in the throes of civil war, causes the Chinese to fear that they are on the eve of a terrible calamity. Almost immediately after the second shock a fireworks display from the thousands of sampans lying at Whangpoo, which had been kept up incessantly for two days, came to an abrupt end and the river became as silent as death. The general atmosphere at Shanghai, which is at present without newspapers and with rumour Tuning riot, is tenser than at any time since the events at Hankow.

BISHOP OF LONDON’S VIEW. LONDON, February 1. The Bishop of London (Dr Davidson) in a letter to The Times, says: “It may seem presumptuous for anyone who has been two days in Shanghai and nine days in Hongkong to write impressions, but I came in touch with everyone whose view is worth having. 1 am certain that but for the mischievous interference of outsiders the Chinese and the British could live in perfect peace and amity. The mischief has been engineered by a band of malcontents egged on by Russian influence and money. I am only expressing the unanimous feeling when I say that friendly relations with the Cantonese Government are still possible if we recognise Cantonese independence. They have been many years independent, not iwing allegiance to Peking. It is far better to deal with fragments having stable Governments than to wait 50 or 100 years for their reunion under a central Government.” Referring to the Chinese pirates, he says: ‘‘lt is ridiculous that they are allowed a free run. The British Fleet is now there, and could smoke out the wasps’ nests in a day. It is not known that the pirates are constantly seizing vessels of sundry nations and carrying them off within sight of Hongkong Peak. The Chinese themselves are astonished that the British do nothing, and call us the ‘Paper Tiger.’ ”

THE BRITISH REJOINDER. PROTECTIVE MEASURES ESSENTIAL. LONDON. February 3. Official circles emphasise that there is not the least foundation for Mr Chen’s accusation that the despatch of British forces has produced conditions under which he is asked to negotiate “with a revolver at his head.” It is pointed out that Britain has not taken, and doos not intend to take, any military steps whatever against either the Peking or Cantonese Governments. It is recognised that the Cantonese Government does not contemplate an attempt to capture Shanghai by force, but in view of the events at Hankow and the looting of Kiukiang neither Britain nor anyone else can be satisfied that the Cantonese are capable of preventing disorders and even possible massacres at Shanghai. “We could at Hankow give the Cantonese a chance of proving their ability of maintaining order,” said an official, “because in the event of failure we could rapidly evacuate the city, but at Shanghai the position is quite different. The 8000 British people there could not be safely evacuated from a population of 1,500,000 Chinese if the anti-British feeling of which there is already plenty of evidence, were fomented until great masses of the Chinese ran amok. In view of these risks no British Government of whatever complexion dare risk being unready to defend the lives of her nationals. We are pledged to protect those lives and we are determined to do so whatever Mr Chen may do.”. Unofficial circles do not expect that Mr Chen will maintain his protest to the extent of finally breaking down all negotiations. If he does the only possible conclusion will be that he is no longer a free agent but a mere puppet of Moscow. The Cabinet again considered the China situation at a special meeting at the Foreign Office yesterday afternoon. * TEMPORARY SETBACK. LONDON, February 3. It is untrue to say that the negotiations Hankow have broken, down. They are broken off as the agreement which was previously being discussed has taken anew turn. Mr Chen’s protest against the despatch of troops brings to the forefront the conversations with Mr o‘Malley on the question of the defence of our nationals .in Shanghai. This is how official circles interpret Mr Chen’s latest move. It is learned that there is not the least likelihood of any modification of Britain’s determination to defend her citizens in Shanghai. There cannot be any question of the stopping or turning back of the military forces. Official circles do not expect that Mr Chen will maintain his protest. RIGHTS OF MISSIONARIES. LONDON, February 2. The Foreign Office has issued the full text of Britain’s terms to the North China

and Cantonese Governments in addition to the proposals outlined by Sir Austen Chamberlain on Saturday. Britain, indicated that she was prepared to recognise the validity of a reasonable Chinese nationality law and also to accept the principle that British missionaries should no longer claim the right to purchase land; that Chinese converts should go for protection to Chinese law and not to the treaties; and that the missionary educational and medical institutions should conform to the Chinese regulations. OVERTURES FROM MR CHEN. LONDON, February 3. Mr Chen has cabled the Labourites in response to their recent message emphasising the Nationalist Government’s desire for a peaceful settlement of both the Hankow Concession and the other issues. He states: “In pursuing a policy of diplomacy and peace we rely on British Labour to assist in controlling the British Government’s adventurous elements and averting decisions for action which will dig deep into the Nationalists’ minds an enduring resentment and hostility towards Britain.” .The message forwarded to Mr Chen by the National Joint Labour Council stated : “The Labour movement deplores the flaunted military demonstration against the Canton Government, because it may stir up panic and aggression on both sides, rendering inevitable the misfortunes it pretends to prevent, and also because it is likely to thwart a policy of negotiation and amicable settlement on a basis of the recognition of the Chinese National Government. The British Labourites demand a patient and honest pursuit of peaceful negotiations, freed from armed menace, for the ultimate abrogation of treaties and the immediate winding up of the conditions depending upon the existence of treaties We also send the Chinese workers our sincere sympathies and support in their attempt to improve their economic position and establish their country among the self-governing nations.” In a covering message to Mr Chen the Labour Council stated: “We are confident you will do everything to negotiate a settlement and prevent incidents giving an excuse for the use of military force.”

AN ECHO FROM MOSCOW. MOSCOW. February 2. The newspaper Isvestia re-echoes Mr Chen in saying that Sir Austen Chamberlain's programme, although not satisfying all the demands, might have been considered if it had not been accompanied by the despatch of warships and troops. A FRENCH ANALYSIS. PARIS, February 2. “Bolshevist influence on the Kuomintang Party appears to be waning,” declared M. Albert Milhaud, addressing the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Chamber of Deputies and analysing the attitude of the Powers. He said that Britain sought to continue her traditional policy with the Government of the North while negotiating with the Southern Government in order to safeguard important interests. Japan and France were inclined to await the unification of China, but the Chinese seemed more concerned to ensure theii independence as regards foreigners than to reestablish the unity of the old Empire. M. Milhaud questioned whether it was really in France's interest to wait until the other Powers were entering into negotiations. A MESSAGE FROM CHANG. LONDON, February 3. The British United Press has received the following message from Marshal Chang Tso-Lin: “The object of the present expedition is to edmbat and eliminate Bolshevism which is harmful and dangerous to the world. I have been cooperating with Marshal Wu Pei Fu all along, although he is unable to make headway at Chenchow. Our troops will continue to fight Bolshevism to the end.” MR CHURCHILL’S STRIKING ANALOGY. LONDON, February 4. “I do not believe there are any grounds for grave anxiety in the Chinese situation,” said Mr Churchill, speaking as the guest of the Manchester Constitutional Club. “We sought nothing in China, but we are able to sell to the Chinese goods they desire, and receive in exchange goods useful to ourselves. We regard the 400,000,000 Chinese as potential friends and customers. The last thing you usually .<’o to a potential customer is to shoot him. The last thing wishable is that a potential customer should shoot you. I believe, if we are supported by the public will with patience and seltrespecting firmness, we will procure a great amelioration in the Chinese position before the end of the year.” BRITISH-CHINESE POLICY. ROME, February 4. It is reported that Italy has sent a Note to the British Government endorsing the latter’s Chinese policy, and maintaining the rights of the Powers to defend their interests in China. ATTITUDE OF LABOUR PARTY. LONDON, February 4. The National Joint Labour Council telegraphed to Mr Chen expressing grati-

fication at his assurance that its message had enabled a continuation of negotiations, which the Labour Party firmly supported, and hoped that the parties concerned would make a successful issue possible. ITALY’S ATTITUDE. FAVOURABLE TO BRITAIN. PARIS, February 5. The possibility of Italy joining Britain in the military precautions in China is being widely discussed in the press. The Leftist organs comment bitterly on the prospect. “Pertinax,” in the Echo de Paris, says that the defence of Shanghai is natural enough, “but France’s abstention may lead to her isolation in Europe. Signor Mussolini, who never risks much, has promptly assured Sir Ronald Graham (the British Ambassador) of Italy’s cooperation. He is profiting from events with the purpose of obtaining an agreement as to what part of the Mediterranean his note of hand may be cashed

BRITISH CABINET. AN IMPORTANT SITTING. LONDON, February 0. Cabinet spent the week-end in close touch with Mr Locker-Lampson aud Mr O'Malley, and important decisions regarding the disposal of the British defence troops are expected early in the week. The Observer’s diplomatic correspondent says that so far as the British Government is concerned its chief policy is to liberate China from the obsolete system of virtual foreign supervision and control, and secondly to protect life. In the transition stage any step on the part of the Canton or Shanghai Governments towards assuring the safety of foreigners in Shanghai would be welcomed. There is no present intention of breaking off relations with Russia, in spite of the undoubted part she has played in stirring up anti-British feeling, but the question of dealing in some other way with the persistent hostility of Moscow is engaging Cabinet’s attention. It is understood that while Cabinet does not contemplate the breaking off of commercial relations with Russia, it may be embarrassed in Parliament next week when the 120 Conservatives threaten to raise the Russia issue aud demand the withdrawal of privileges,. Cabinet considered the proposal to divert the troopships to Hongkong, but the Australian Press Association gathers that it is improbable an immediate decision will be reached on this p-'int, because the transports have only left Gibraltar, so their destination need not be finally decreed for at least a fortnight. It is not a matter easily decided, because there is the consideration that the diversion of the troops may be wrongly interpreted, and be hailed as a further blow at British prestige in the Far East. A stronger consideration, however, is whether Mr Chen is in a position, after what happened at Hankow, to guarantee the fulfilment of his pledge that no harm shall befall the foreign nationals in Shanghai, and thus obviate the need for providing a barrier between the excesses of the mobs and British nationals. SHANGHAI INTERNATIONAL SETTLEMENT. PROPOSAL TO WARRING FACTIONS. WASHINGTON, February 5. The State Department confirms reports from China that the American Minister, Mr Mac Murray, has proposed to the warring Chinese factions that the Shanghai international settlement should be exempted from the zone of military operations. The result of Mr Macmurray’s presentation of his plan to Chang-tso-lin has not yet been received. The Cantonese forces are understood to favour the proposal, thdugh no definite assurances haye yet been given. The proposal is not technically a neutralisation plan, because it does not specify guarantees for the zone nor provide for the evacuation of the native city of Shanghai by the Conservative forces of Marshal Sun, the ally of Chang-tso-lin, but it is believed the arrangement would lessen the danger to foreigners from the anticipated battle between the Conservatives and the Nationalists. MASSING AMERICAN FORCES. WASHINGTON, February 4. With the announcement that ConsulGeneral Gauss at Shanghai has advised all American women and children to withdraw from China’s interior before the lines of communication are broken in the Shanghai district, and that Admiral Williams’s forces now total 60 vessels, 10,00/ bluejackets, and 3500 marines, it became known that the Chinese Minister, Mr Sze, inquired of the State Department the purpose of the movement of additional American forces in Chinese waters. It is understood he was informed that the steps were precautionary, and that there was no intention to make a landing unless they were forced to protect Americans. It is reported that Mr Sze wished to inform his Government of the situation, and possibly anticipate any protest that might be made. CABLE INFORMATION CENSORED. LONDON, February 4; The Morning Post’s Hankow correspondent says; “Chen is censoring my cables

extensively. I protest strongly. Ha dislikes the information I forwarded.”