BRITAIN AND CHINA

Otago Witness, Issue 3806, 22 February 1927, Page 30

BRITAIN AND CHINA

THE HANKOW NEGOTIATIONS AN AIR OF UNCERTAINTY. SHANGHAI, February 15. The negotiations for a' settlement of the Sino-British dispute have again broken down at the eleventh hour. After what was believed to be the final conference the agreement remained unsigned. The Nationalist Foreign Office stated that it had nothing to say, but that does not mean that there will be trouble. A statement has not been issued by Mr O’Malley. The Associated Press telegraphs that upon being - asked whether the negotiations were broken, as reported, Mr Chen categorically denied this. He declared that he had made an important statement, to Mr O’Malley, indicating that the Nationalist Government considered that the modifications in the original plan for the concentration of -British forces in Shanghai, as announced by Sir Austen Chamberlain in the House of Commons on February 10, made it possible for negotiations to be completed regarding the concession question. Despite the foregoing it is firmly believed that a serious hitch has occurred which is likely to prevent the signing of an agreement. STATEMENT BY MR O’MALLEY. PEKING, February 16. Mr O’Malley states that Mr Chen made a series of statements partly referring to Sir Austen Chamberlain’s speech, partly about the agreement, and partly about assurances. The effect of these statements was to create a new situation. Mr O’Malley said that the agreement had not been signed because ho thought , it necessary to put the fresh situation before Sir Austen Chamberlain ’in order to enable the Minister to decide what should be done about the agreement. Meanwhile Mr O’Malley will remain at Hankow and await further instructions. FEELING IN LONDON. LONDON, February 15. The news of the breakdown of-the Hen kow negotiations has created astonishment in official circles, says the Daily Express. ■ On the contrary, the Daily Herald’s diplomatic correspondent makes grave, statements on the subject. He declares that the official hope all round —would seem to have been more than balanced by the fear that something might happen al the last moment to prevent signature. “It is impossible,” says * the correspondent, “to avoid the. conclusion. that this anxiety is not unconnected with the new military movements which appear to have been ordered at such a critical and delicate moment without' consultation with t|i(j ■ foreign office. These . inovements

cannot have been exactly helpful to Mr O'Malley. FOREIGN OFFICE STATEMENT. LONDON, February lb. With reference to the Hankow negotiations, the Foreign Office explains that there was never any rupture. Mr O’Malley and Mr Chen reached an agreement during the week-end, and signature was expected at any time, but at the last moment Mr Chen sought’a fuller explanation of the passages in Sir Austen Chamtferlain’s speech. Mr O’Malley felt that he could not reply offhand, and therefore he cabled to the Foreign Office for a complete statement of the position, and requested new instructions. Apparently the unexpected last-minute interruption of the negotiations, owing to Mr Chen’s inquiries, has been misinterpreted by the press of China as a definite rupture, while the delay in'the transmission of Mr O’Malley’s lengthy message accounts for the absence of official news here long after, the press announced the rupture. It is understood that Cabinet discussed China to-day, and the newest hitch is not regarded in any way as being an insuperable obstacle to a settlement. The Morning Post understands that Mr Chen’s latest demand is an assurance that the British troops and warships shall under no circumstances be used against .or in support of any Chinese party representing either the North or the South. The demand is so skilfully worded that any reply might be taken as an acknowledgement of the right of the Cantonese to hold a brief for the rest of China. The Daily Express states that its opinion is that Mr Chen is simply raising new points in order to delay the signing of an agreement, and" adds that this may soon be put to the test in a manner that'will set all doubts at rest.

MR CHEN’S DEMANDS. LONDON, February 17. The Foreign Office reports that there are no new developments in the Hankow negotiations beyond the fact that Sir Austen Chamberlain is consuling Sir Miles Lampson (British Minister in China) at Peking before replying to Mr Chen’s latest demands. , ‘ Well-informed circles agree that these latter raise large questions of policy, such as Mr Chen’s desire for recognition as spokesman for the whole of China and a further attempt to modify Britain’s determination to have forces ready on the spot to meet eventualities. At Shanghai the Chinese commercial bodies’- resolutions against Britain’s military steps are aimed at strengthening Mr Chen’s renewed protest, but there is not the - least likelihood that the decision to defend British nationals will in any way be altered. Official circles point out that Mr Chen did not allow,, and is not likely to allow, his. objections to the-despatch of. our

troops to interfere with the negotiations with Mr O’Malley for a purely local trading agreement at Hankow. Signs are not wanting, that impatience with Mr Chen’s vacillation is spreading to the Conservative members of the House of Commons. Some of them are already suggesting that a time limit should be given. Mr Chen in which to sign, but responsible quarters are making allowance for the Oriental’s love of procrastination. They maintain an attitude of unshaken patience in the belief that Britain will win through eventually. Meanwhile, some confirmation has been received of military successes which may be partly responsible for Mr Chen’s latest intransigeance. Though the fall of Hangchow is reported, British interests there are negligible. The capture of the town is only important as a big step towards Shanghai. Though the Cantonese may ultimately encircle Shanghai there is not the least fear here that Mr Chen will depart from his previous declaration that he will in no circumstances attempt fo take Shanghai by force. MR CHEN’S VACILLATION. . LONDON, February 18. “The conviction is growing in London,’’ says the Daily Telegraph’s diplomatic correspondent, “that, whether independently or under Bolshevist pressure, Mr Chen is playing a deep game. With General Sun in full retreat and the Cantonese army nearing Shanghai, Mr Chen evidently thinks that the time has arrived to blackmail the British Government into fresh concessions. Hence he is seeking to extract from the British Government: — (1) The de jure recognition of the Cantonese as the Government of China ; (2) An explicit pledge that no further British troops shall be landed at Shanghai addition to the brigade and details already embarked. It is extremely unlikely that the British Government will take the risks involved in the second demand.” The correspondent adds that numerous ships, many of them*German, are busy loading arms and munitions- at Odessa for delivery in China. The Daily Chronicle’s diplomatic correspondent says it is understood that the news received by the Cabinet indicates that the advance of the Cantonese troops has been more rapid than was expected, and requires fresh consideration of the problem of the defence of the Britishers in Shanghai, since General Sun’s forces arc likely to fall back on Sunkiang, which is only 40 miles from Shanghai. It is stated that no alarming developments have been reported, and the additional measures to be taken in view of the Cantonese advance arc merely precautionaryREADINESS TO SIGN. PEKING, February I,S. ; The Nationalist News .Agency, at Hankow says.it is authoritatively denied that the negotiations between Mr O’Malley

and Mr Chen have broken down, Mr Chen saying that he is ready now to sign an agreement regarding the British concession. The Agency adds: “It is understood that the Nationalist Government views the recent declaration by Sir Austen Chamberlain regarding the deflection of the British troops to Hongkong as a basis upon which the Nationalists may proceed to the conclusion of an agreement respecting Hankow.” TERMS FOR NEGOTIATIONS. x LONDON, February 18. Cabinet has sent Sir Miles Lampson instructions for communication to Mr O’Malley, laying down the lines on which negotiations with Mr Chen can be continued It is pointed out that Sir Austen Chamberlain announced last week his readiness to authorise the signing of the agreement. It was therefore hoped that, since Mr Chen was also agreeable to sign, all obstacles would be eliminated. It is hoped-that if an agreement is signed it may be the beginning of a general settlement. STATEMENT BY MR CHU. LONDON, February 14. The Geneva correspondent of the Daily News says that Mr. Chu has issued a statement declaring that if Britain denounces the old and enters into a new treaty on a basis of absolute equality and reciprocity there will be no need to send troops, and no fear of a ’continuance of the boycott,- but China’s 400,000,000 people will never yield to arms. FALL OF HANGCHOW. SHANGHAI, February 17. Reliable reports state that Hangchow has been captured by the Cantonese, and General Suu Chuan-fcng is retreating northward. A number of his forces at Ningpo were surrounded, but they escaped seaward, where they commandeered three ships. Sun Chuan-feng will now be forced to make his last line of defence at Sunkiang, 40 miles from Shanghai. The Shanghai-Hangchow railway has suspended its passenger service. This is understood to be due to the concentration of the rolling stock at Hangchow in view of the possibility of Suu’s troops falling back on Shanghai. Februaary IS.

The Cantonese surrounded Hangchow with lightning rapidity, compelling the anti-Reds to retreat to their second line of defence 30 miles nearer Shanghai, where it is hoped they will soon hold up the advance pending the arrival of the Shantung forces, which it is reported have been asked to assist to stem the Reds’ advance on Shanghai. Another ballalion of Punjabis from India has arrived with hospital and artillery sections, and hundreds of pack mules. The Suffolks, which are due shortly from Hongkong will complete the present quota. TOKIO, February 18. The cruiser Hirato has been ordered to hasten to Shanghai from Tsingtao, following on alarming reports regarding Hangchow. Discussing the Japanese position in China, Baron Shidehara told the Diet that Japan would maintain perfect harmony with the other Powers in dealing with China.

BRITISH TROOPS AT SHANGHAI. SHANGHAI, February 14. The first landing of white troops at Shanghai since the Boxer troubles to-day made the occasion great, though there was only a quiet public demonstration by the foreign population when the Second Gloucesters and the Second Durhams landed after being two days on board the transports at the dockside. Headed by the colours and their own bands, with the marine bflnd from His Majesty’s vessels in port, 1500 men of the battalions, in full kit, with fixed bayonets, marched the five miles from the docks to their quarters through the .principal streets. Immense crowds of Chinese lined the route. There • was no sign of hostility. A message from London says:—The Shanghai correspondent of the Daily Express states that thousands of British residents/the majority of them women, stood for hours in the drizzling rain to watch the Durham and Gloucester Regiments land. They came ashore all smiles, With the music of drums and fifes. The Chinese were sullen, but cheer after cheer was raised by the British residents when Admiral Tyrwhitt took the salute opposite the Yokohama Specie Bank. PEKING, February 16. The British defences were reinforced by two Punjabi battalions from India, which arrived at Shanghai overnight. There are now five battalions encamped in the International Settlement. GRAVE TURN OF EVENTS. SHANGHAI THEATENED. SHANGHAI, February 16. Despite the general belief that Hangchow was safe in General Sun Chuanfang’s hands, and that the immediate threat - of the Cantonese was temporarily removed, the staggering news has been received locally that General Sun’s line of defence has been cut within six miles of Hangchow, and that his forces are retreating in disorder to Shanghai. • The last line of defence between Hangchow and Shanghai is Sunkiang, thirty miles from Shanghai. Jit is hoped that a desperate attempt to hold the advance of the Cantonese will be made. In the event of failure, the Cantonese will be within thirty miles of- Shanghai. The gravity of the situation is the worst for many weeks. With -the possibility of •the complete defeat of General Sun, and Shanghai an easy prey for the Cantonese,

there are indications of a somewhat rapid and unexpected development in the mill-, tary situation in the Chekiang province, where the Southerners claim to have captured Chuchow, forty-five miles south-west of Harigchow. Well-informed quarters believe that this 'is true, and also that a Southern offensive is developing in the same region, though what" troops are participating' in it is unknown. Probably they are those whom it was either impossible or undesirable to withdraw northward for the defence to Hankow. SHANGHAI, -February 17. American naval authorities learn that the transport Chaumont, which left San Diego for an unknown destination a week ago, is coming here with 1200 United States marines. The Second Suffolks are embarking at Hongkong for Shanghai to-morrow . NEUTRALITY OF SHANGHAI. SHANGHAI, February 16. — General Sun Chuan-fang, in a statement concerning the American proposal for the neutralisation of Shanghai, says: “The proposal is undoubtedly promoted by a sincere desire to help China and to avoid further outrages by the Revolutionists, but unfortunately President Coolidge has not been advised as to the conditions. Shanghai is Chinese territory, for the peace and order of which I am fully responsible. The strength of my reorganised armies is not only sufficient to maintain peace and order in Shanghai, but it also forms the basis of my plans for the restoration of Kiangsu. lam in full co-operation with Marshal Chang Tso-lin, who is advancing to attack the Cantonese. The Government of Kiangsu resents the discussion of any plans as regards Shanghai, with any revolutionaries. We have assumed and maintained power and responsibility, and until we have failed, no foreign Power is justified in premising diplomatic proposals upon such a failure. Furthermore, in pursuit of our purpose, to maintain order, we must have freedom of action, and can only regard the effort of any foreign Power to place limitations upon us as an act of intervention favouring our and their enemy. “The facts of the situation are that o' minor political party, which had never controlled more than one city in the south, became associated with the Bolshevists, who seek world revolution so that they can experiment with their social and economic ideas, which have failed in their own country, but which they are now imposing on China. Here they have destroyed property in five provinces, poisoned the minds of our youth, abused our sense of religion, stopped our trade, and debased our currency, and have now involved us in the possibility of war with foreign Powers. We must fight them as 'we would fight the plague, and we will succeed.”

SHANGHAI’S MANY DANGERS. SHANGHAI, February IS. Thousands of refugees are pouring iri from the war-stricken areas, including hundreds of deserting soldiers. The antiRed army is expected to break up and flee to Shanghai. For the time being its morale has been struck vitally by Kuo-min-tang propaganda. The municipal authorities are taking every precaution to prevent their entry into the settlement. Pickets on the boundaries arc disarming soldiers on entering. The anti-Red debacle is not surprising, Sun Chuan-fang’s army consisting of a rabble enlisting for the purpose of loot. Sun is frantically establishing defences fifty miles from Shanghai, hoping to check the Reds. Japanese reports state that he is prepared to compromise with the Reds in regard to Shanghai in order to avoid fighting. Several high officials have fled to -Japan as a result of . developments ; others are taking refuge -with Chinese. The defence commissioners’ manifesto denies that Sun has been beaten, and states that he is prepared to defend Shanghai to the last man. Hangchow railway is. the scene of confusion. Only military trains are running. Local Cantonese arc jubilant at the turn of events, and are planning to celebrate them, from which trouble may be expected. situation needs only a spark to start a serious conflagration. The British troops arrived in the nick of time and are considered sufficient for any situation that may arise. Secret meetings of the pro-Cantou groups are held daily. Labour, unions are feverishly agitating for a general strike. Shanghai has to face danger of a three-fold character—the retreating troops, the advancing conquerors, and the mobs within the city. The length of the settlement boundaries makes them difficult to guard. A mob of 50,000 could pour into the settlement at a hundred different ■ points on all sides. British forces ate stationed at the most inipbrtant public utilities in' specially erected huts. Seaplanes from the British warships daily reconnoitre the Chinese military lines. STRIKES IN SHANGHAI. ’ PEKING, February 19. Three route marches by “Tommies” and: navals,' with fixed bayonets, daily through the Settlement streets of Shanghai/ have had a salutary effect on the natives. It is estimated that 70 per cent, of the Britons in China are in Shanghai. The protection of the British Army and Navy . synchronising with Sun Chuan-fang’s reverse at Chekiang, the General Labour union has called a-general strike to enforce the demand for the evacuation of Shanghai by botji Sun Chuan-fang’s troops and the British troops. All employees at'the post office, the tramwaymen, and'busmen’in the French, Concession, . and the cotton' workers in all British mills, and some” Japanese have, struck. The movement is . developing. At' present the strikers ' number

40,000. The postmen’s strike picket with staves lined the entrance to the General Post Office, and attempted to prevent the indoor staff from entering or working. Subsequently the Postal Commissioner, who is an Englishman, decided to close the post office till Monday in order to prevent immediate trouble and confusion. Later in the day the police took the staves from the strikers. Four hundred mill strikers entered the British Cigarette Company's factory in the International Settlement* which employs 1000 workers, and attempted to intimidate the latter into striking. As a precautionary measure the management thought it wise to close down the factory for the time being. The three biggest Chinese stores in the centre of the International Settlement, employing thousands of assistants. among whom there has been some trouble recently, also closed. A seamen’s strike has also started in the French Concession. A waterworkers’ strike has caused a shortage in some districts. All British troops are confined to quarters in case of eventualities. Volunteers are mobilised, although not concentrated. Special police have been called out. Latest reports from Chekiang state that the Northerners are retreating upon Sunkiang, looting en route. Sun has sent many appeals to Chang Sun Chang imploring ’his assistance, but so far there has been no response. ADEQUATE FORCES AVAILABLE. LONDON, February 18. The Daily Mail says that a Cabinet meeting decided to make no startling change in the China policy, even if the advance on Shanghai becomes more rapid. It is satisfied that the available forces are adequate for British protection. RETREAT OF GENERAL SUN. SHANGHAI, February 17. General Pei Pao-san, one of General Sun Chuan-fang’s principal generals in Chekiang, has taken his men to Anhwei province. He is waiting to see which side wins. It is reported that the Third Chekiang Army has gone over to the South. There is much looting by the retreating troops, and some civilians have been shot. February IS. The retreat of a large portion of Sun Chuan-fang’s army into Kiangsu continues. Four thousand of the retreating army arrived at Shanghai, and at present are at the main railway station, which is on the border of the International Settlement. Also streams of refugees are. arriving from several miles north-eastward of Hangchow, within which area it is estimated there must still be 50,000 of Sun’s troops. The railway line is completely blocked, and there is still no telegraphic communication with Hangchow, so it is impossible to confirm or deny the Nationalist statements here to the effect that the city was looted and partially burned by the Northerners before they left. Ningpo has been captured by the Southerners. Sun’s troops from that town, who evacuated by sea, have arrived at Shanghai.

JAPANESE INTERESTS. TOKIO, February 14. “Japan’s policy of non-interference in China has never meant neglecting the necessary protection of her rights and interests in China,” stated Baron Sbidliara (Minister of Foreign Affairs’*. Tie added: “Naturally, Japan would have to reconsider the situation in the event ot China attempting to recover the settlements by force of arms.” ANXIETY IN WASHINGTON. WASHINGTON, February 19. The general strike at Shanghai is viewed here with real anxiety, in view of the possibility of mob violence menacing the safety of foreigners, a development which, if it should affect the well-being of Americans, will lead to the landing of American bluejackets and marines. No one here will attempt to predict the consequences of such a step. Despatches to the State Department describe the strike, but contain no forecast of its possible results. Experts here hold the opinion that so far as nilitary objectives are concerned Shanghai will do the Cantonese little good if they do not control the Yangtse River. For this icason Nanking and other river cities are considered to be the real military cljectives of the Nationalists. THE GOVERNMENT’S FORESIGHT. LONDON, February 18. The Cantonese, aided by Russian machine-gun instructors and advisers, had heavily defeated the Northerners, said Mr L. S. Amery, speaMng at Hackney. The defeated rabble and the elated victors might soon be pouring towards the centres which British enterprise had built up, resulting in the possibility of looting, plundering, and massacre at Shanghai if the Government, seeing the danger, had not sent troops to protect British life and property. He added that it was not the Government, but the Labour clique sending telegrams as though it was in charge of the Foreign Office, which had interfered in Chinese affairs. RED METHODS IN CHINA. LONDON, February 7. The so-called National Government is in no sense a genuine Chinese institution, with which it is safe to negotiate, says the Shanghai correspondent of The Times. That the Red upheaval menaces Chinese as well as foreigners is revealed by the experience of Honan province, which was absorbed by the Cantonese Government in July, 1926. Since then workers’ committees have dominated the province and controlled the

collection of rents. Landlords who resist risk a severe thrashing. One landlord who insisted upon his rights was killed. The workers released the murderer, held a perfunctory inquiry, and declared him innocent. Strikes, demands for increased wages, and other extravagant concessions have caused a revolt of the peasants, whose exports of rice are held up. Unions of robbers and women of questionable repute have affiliated with the General Labour Union. Tho Changsha unions released a notorious robber from prison on the ground that he was acting under stress of economic conditions. CANADIAN PARTICIPATION. OTTAWA, February 16. A motion asking for the production of all correspondence between the Canadian and British Governments regarding the Chinese disturbances was defeated in the House of Commons to-day after the Prime Minister had voiced his opposition. He said that he was sure that the British Government would not desire the publication of correspondence of a confidential nature at present. A SINISTER FEATURE. LONDON, February 16. A section of the Austrian and German press is giving an anti-British colouring to the China news, alleging that Australia and South Africa disavow the British policy in China,, while Canada refuses to allow British troops to cross her territory to proceed to China LABOUR DISLOYALISTS. LONDON, February 15. The Postmaster-General (Sir W. Mit-chell-Thomson), speaking at' Croydon, said : “Certain of the Socialist leaders are reported to have said that if'Britain 's involved in a Chinese war they will do their best to prevent British troops from being assembled. If they do that they will end up—and very properly too—against a wall with a firing party in front of them. It is just as well that they should know that right form the start.

NO CASES OF OUTRAGE. LONDON, February 18. Cabinet held a further special meeting to discuss the China situation to-day, and members are holding themselves in readiness for further meetings during the weekend. Nevertheless official circles do not countenance the suggestion that the frequency of the meetings indicates any alarm for the British people in bnaughai. In view of the rapid development of the military situation it is admitted that the advance of the Cantonese forces, until Shanghai falls into their hands, cannot exactly be welcomed. It seems that the bitter anti-British sentiment, thanks to Russian gold and propaganda, is stronger in the Cantonese than in any other Chinese circles. At the same time it is recognised that it would be in accord neither with Mr Chen’s j-ast conduct, nor with his interest in not an- . tagonising other foreign Powers to allow I anti-foreign sentiments to get out of hand. It is pointed out as a remarkable fact that during the whole period since the evacuation of Hankow there has not been a single case of outrage, robbery, or violence of any kind against British nationals anywhere in China ; hence at present, while there is the satisfaction that our troops are nearing Shanghai to be in readiness for eventualities, there is no suggestion that the present situation demands the desptach of further forces. The experience of Chinese civil wars of the past few years has shown that cities have often fallen and been retaken without harming, or seriously inconveniencing, the foreign residents. Fighting in China, is quite unlike the Great War battles. There are seldom serious bloody encounters. One or other force generally' crumples up after a half-hearted sort of scrap. For these reasons well-informed people are not alarmed. They are convinced that Mr Chen’s forces would not be foolish enough to enter the International Settlements at Shanghai, where French, Japanese, and Americans, without much publicity, are assembling forces to assist in defence alongside the British. The report that Mr O’Malley has taken up his quarters upon the warship Bee at Hankow does not imply that there are disturbances. The move was made only for the sake of comfort. It is learned that the new instructions sent to Sir Miles Lampson are a recommendation to complete the Hankow agreement, suggesting that Mr Chen leave aside larger matters like British recognition of Cantonese Government, till subsequent events show whether they are entitled to such a status. The present official idea is to concentrate on an agreement, small and concrete, on the Hankow problem, in the hope that this will lead to a settlement of larger questions later. MR EUGENE CHEN. In a pen pictue of Mr Eugene Chen, the special correspondent of the Daily Mail (Sir Percival Phillips) writes: “One of the most polished specimens of European civilisation in Southern China is Mr Eugene Chen, the new Minister of Foreign Affairs. Dignified members of the Chinese community contemplate him with a shudder. Mr Chen has nothing Chinese about him, unless it be a slight cast of countenance which is by no means convincing. He was born in Trinidad, and at one time during his chequered career as an anti-British journalist it suited him to claim British nationality. He looks Western, but he hates the West. His brilliant eyes blaze viciously behind his gold-rimmed spectacles when be pillories Great Britain for her Imperialistic sins

and his slender hands excitedly saw the air. His command of English is well-nigh perfect when he talks; he writes it far better than many native sons of Britain. Mr Chen wears white spats below his carefully-creased trousers. lie is a credit to his London tailor. He quotes Kipling and .Hardy with easy confidence. Soma of his ironic despatches, indited from the Foreign Office at Canton, are real masterpieces of English prose. His brain is undoubtedly the ablest of any at the command of Canton’s Russian tutors. Mr Chen is, of course, a great patriot. Yet he takes no chances. When I go to see him in his secluded room at the Terminus Hotel I must pass a “gunman” at the door—a little Cantonese sergent in khaki whose automatic is always poised in his right hand. Nor could Mr Chen’s daughter—charming though she is—be hailed by the flower of China’s population as representative of their country. Fresh from an American college for women, Miss Svlvia Chen wears the latest Paris fashions with true Western grace. She entered Hankow with her father, clad in well-cut riding breeches, to the great discomposure of the local Chinese dignitaries.