WUCHANG HOLDS OUT

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LII, Issue 17153, 1 October 1926, Page 8

WUCHANG HOLDS OUT

THE “REDS” IN RETREAT LOOTING CONTINUES PIERCE FIGHTING PROGRESSING (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Australian and N.Z. Cablo Association.) (Received October 1, 12 noon.) I’EKIN, Sept. 30. A general anti-“ Rod” offensive has coinmetieedl in the vicinity of Nanchang with the object of recapturing Hankow. Information from the front is scarce, but it is believed that fierce fighting is Jnfjgivssing, I'l'e (reported llesultis of which are, distorted by the respective censors. 'The “Reds” are thought to he receiving a set-back, and to be retreating, shortening the lines which had been unwisely spread. The siege of Wuchang is weakening, due. to the withdrawal of many troops to meet Sttnchuanfang's advance, hut the predicament of the. besieged is unchanged. Hundreds are dead, or dying of starvation or disease. Anti-“l!od” reinforcements are proceeding to Hankow to assist in its recapture, and relieve Wuchang and the commandeered French and American steamers. Reports daily from all sources mention the looting of foreign homes. It is ascertained that the “Reds” were instructed to loot only British property. “PIRACY” NOTE TO CHINA ■SHANGHAI, September 27. The British Note to the Chinese Government characterises as piracy tho action of General Yang Sen when lie seined the two ships, the cause of the trouble. "His Majesty’s Government is unable to tolerate such action,” says the Note, which adds that Britain is convinced that the Chinese 'Government would not defend it. As a- preliminary to discussion, it is demanded that the two steamers lie handed over forthwith to the British authorities. Meanwhile, the (Southerners arc advancing on Kiang-Bi Province, and! -Marshal Sun-Chuan-Fang is preparing to fight a lone hand. A battle imminent in which the fortunes of the (South, which already are precarious, will be finally decided. Courage lias been given to the defenders of Wuchang by the news that the Northerners are. preparing a drive for the relief of the city. GRAVE SITUATION MILITARISTS OUT OF CONTROL TUIvIO, September 22. The American delegate to the Chinese Customs Conference, Mr. S. 11. Strawn, who is on his way home, says that lie sees no end to the Chinese wars for a long time, the militarists having such power that the war-weary common people are unable to control them in any way. The extra-territoriality report, which lias been signed, contains many state■'ments of fact, severely condemning the imaladministration of justice; but it contains also recommendations by which China may extricate herself from consular jurisdiction. However, a recognisable Government is a long way off. DANGER TO FOREIGNERS SHANGHAI, September 22. A vessel belonging to the Standard Oil Company, from Sze-Clumn, with a large number of foreign refugees, was subjected tp demonstrations by Chinese on the voyage. Tlie North China Daily News states:—“Never have foreigners on the Yangtse been in more danger than they are this time. The cooping of missionaries and others at Wuchang is one item, but the main consideration is the hostility which is in process of generation all along the Yangtse. ■ “The ultimatum, by the. Southern general, Chiang-Kai-Shek, that no warships would be allowed within (he Hankow war zone, that merchant vessels would he subject to search by Chinese, and that disobedience would entail shelling, lias provided a goad to a common policy, whicTi was hitherto want ing.”