STRICTLY NEUTRAL

Southland Times, Issue 20495, 25 May 1928, Page 7

STRICTLY NEUTRAL

BRITAIN IN CHINA ASSURANCE BY FOREIGN SECRETARY INTERPOSITION NOT INTENDED (United Press Assn—Dy Telegraph—Copyright.) May 23. Questions were put to Sir Austen Chamberlain regarding the British policy towards the contending parties in China. Sir Walter de Frece (Conservative) asked whether the British Government would consider the desirability of informing both the contending parties in China that its attitude of self-defence was unaltered, and that it had no intention of associating itself with the military operations of other Powers either in respect of China proper or of Manchuria. Sir Austen Chamberlain replied: “The policy of strict neutrality towards the various contending parties adopted by the British Government remains unaltered. We have no intention of being involved in any form of intervention. Our one desire is to see a peaceful and united China, and any military measures taken by us are, and have always been, solely for the protection of British lives and property. This policy has been frequently stated, and is, I believe, now fully understood by all the parties in China, and it doc® not appear necessary to give further assurances.” Sir Austen Chamberlain added that none of the reports which he had received relative to the present situation indicated the existence of any antagonism against the British interests on the part of any of the contending parties in e China.—British Official Wireless. DETERMINED TO FIGHT. NORTHERN GENERAL’S DECLARATION Shanghai May 23. Chang Tso-lin’s announcement of his determination to stand and fight the Southerners has seemingly altered the complexion of Northern affairs, and has considerably alleviated the panic in Peking and Tientsin. It has also caused the Southerners to readjust their plans. Reports from the north state that the 5 Southerners are meeting with stubborn resistance at the points where they have clashed with the Northerners. Feng Yuhsiang’s forces, making a flanking movement, necessitated a slight Northern retreat, otherwise the battle lines are unchanged. It is rumoured that Chang Tso-lin has made overtures to the Shansi Government, Yen Hsih-san, offering Peking in return for an alliance against the South, confirming the general belief that without assistance Chang Tso-lin is doomed.- Australian Press Association—United Service.