WAR IN CHINA

Southland Times, Issue 20209, 21 June 1927, Page 7

WAR IN CHINA

CHANG AS DICTATOR MOVE TO COMBAT MOB RULE SITUATION MAY YET BE SAVED (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Rec. 7.30 p.m.) Shanghai, June 19. Chang Tso-lin is assuming the position of Generalissimo for the suppression of the Reds. This office becomes virtually the dictatorship for Northern China. Interviewed by the North China Daily News, he said that Russian intrigue was so widespread and so effective that- it was now apparent that nothing but concerted action of those opposed to Communism could save the country from being overrun and destroyed by mob rule under Russian instigation. “I have therefore been obliged to invite all officials still holding out against Bolshevism at Pekin to confer with me upon the matter of forming a single organisation to save the country. There has been a frank and honest exchange of opinion during the conference and we are convinced that if we can effect a closelyknit consolidation under a single central authority, the Government of China has sufficient military to save the situation. On this basis it is possible to re-organise the Pekin Government, which we shall support and defend as the Government of China until we succeed in blotting out completely the political disease with which the Russians inoculated our people, and until we have restored the country to sanity with a sound, honest government representative of the whole Chinese people, both North and South.—A. and N.Z. NATIONALISTS BEATEN BACK. Shanghai, June 19. Simultaneously with the installation of Chang Tso-lin as Generalissimo of the Northern forces, the Shantungese launched a counter-attack in Southern Shantung, compelling the Nationalists to retreat to Tsining, where they are preparing a stand. Heavy fighting and a tremendous toll of life hitherto reported have taken place when the the Northerners have been operating independently, and it is believed that the institution of a unified command under Chang Tso-lin will alter the situation. The Middlesex Battalion proceeds to Wei-hai-wei to-morrow to reinforce the Border Regiment.—A. and N.Z.