SITUATION IN CHINA

Southland Times, Issue 19516, 16 May 1922, Page 5

SITUATION IN CHINA

THE MANCHURIAN QUESTION. JAPANESE OPINION. (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright) (Reuter’s Telegram.) TOKIO, May 13. The Japanese press, commenting on the possibility of a Manchurian declaration of independence which is now frequently rumoured, generally expresses its disapproval based on the possibility of charges of Japanese intrigue and connivance with Chang Teo-lin. Although one regiment has already sailed from Yokohama to reinforce the Japanese police and garrisons in Manchuria opposition is bring voiced against any further substantial troop movements to Manchuria especially from Korea. The Asahi Shimbun denounces as groundless the Pekin despatches reporting Japanese assistafice and moral support for Chang, and says there is no necessity to fear a large revival of banditry in Manchuria, nor mutinies among Chang’s troops. Chang is capable yet of handling the internal situation in his province and providing safeguards for Japanese residents. The Kokumin says the result of the recent fighting simply exchanges military dictators and does not make a material difference in Chinese foreign relations. WU AND CHANG PEKIN, May 15. (Received May 15, 7.55 p.m.) Chang Tso-lin, who began to re-form his army at the Luan river, received an ultimatum from Wu Pei-fu stating that he would begin an attack on Sunday unless Chang Tso-lin evacuated Chi-li province. Further fighting, however, was avoided British mining and other foreign interests intervening. Wu Pei-fu thereupon prom ised merely to maintain a force in Chi-li until the province was cleared.