FIERCE FIGHTING

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LII, Issue 17186, 9 November 1926, Page 6

FIERCE FIGHTING

ANTI-FOREIGN FEELING

CHINA'S GRAVE SITUATION

A TREATY ABROGATED

(Elec. Tel. Copynght--Dnited Press Assn.) (Australian and iN.Z. Cable Association.) (Received Nov. y, 1 p.m.) PKKIN, Nov. 8.

Kiukiang is completely in possession of the Reds, and Suujluianfaiig has retreated to his Nanking base. '1 he Reds' success is due to the refusal of the Kiukiang garrison to light again-st the Rods, and their surrender.

General Fengyusiang's Reds have arrived on the edge, of llonan province, in the rear of Wupeii'u's stronghold. Fierce fighting is proceeding, and Wupeifn is threatened with complete annihilation. Messages from the interior describe the bitter anti-foreign feeling. Inland trade is at a standstill. A grave situation has resulted from the, abrogation of the Sino-Belgian treaty by China,' which foreign diplomats regard as the most important international event in China for many years. The relations of the two 'countries are .strained as a result" of the Belgians' definite rejection of Pekin'a proposals in the new agreement, which demanded Chinese jurisdiction over the Belgians, against the finding of the recent international extra-territory commission. China, refuses to submit the question to the Hague tribunal. Belgium is likely to withdraw her recognition of Hh v Pel; in Government, having the backing of all the foreign Powers. China's attitude amq.unts to flaunting 'the League of Nations.

Missionaries of all faiths in China are at present working under impossible conditions. The majority are content to maintain their personal safety, which is extremely difficult amid an unprecedented anti-Christian movement- inspired by Red agents against foreigners. Churches and cemeteries are desecrated, missions have been made the headquarters of bandits, and special delight is taken in torturing Christian converts and mocking sacred symbols. Scores of missionaries are quitting their posts, being forced to shift themselves, as the natives are afraid to render transport or other assistance.