PERIL IN CHINA

Taranaki Daily News, 24 December 1923, Page 5

PERIL IN CHINA

THE COUNTRY ARMING. TRAFFIC IN WAR MATERIAL. ’PLANES, BOMBS AND GAS. ARMIES BRINGING RUIN. A large traffic in foreign war material is filling China with modern weapons of warfare and a dangerous situation is being created. “Arms are the curse of China," writes the Peking correspondent of the London Times, “and make possible the creation of superfluous armies, which are bringing political and economic ruin to the country.” By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Dec. 23, 5.5 p.m. London, Dec. 22. The Peking correspondent of the Times writes that there is urgent need for an international consultation regarding the situation in China. This is becoming more and more manifest owing to the traffic in foreign war material, which continues to be imparted largely, apparently without restriction. Arms are the curse of China, and make possible the creation of superfluous armies, which are bringing political and economic ruin to the country. It is notorious that arms and war material are pouring into China, some smuggled. but most openly consigned to the military governors, who compel their entrance through the customs. The traffic can only be stopped if shipments are prevented from the country of origin. This Britain is doing, with the result that British dealers are losing orders, which are carried out by other nationals, whose Governments are equally pledged to prevention. The latest instance is twelve bombcarrying aeroplanes, shipped from France and delivered at Mukden, where a great arsenal has been fitted up on modern lines, and turning out artillery from material all of which is supplied from abroad. Another arsenal is working in Canton. Sun Yat Sen recently received a consignment of American aeroplanes. These preparations are occurring under the noses of the Powers. The consequences to foreigners and foreign interests, as well as to the Chinese people, can be judged when aeroplanes, bombs and gas come to be used by unskilled and irresponsible Chinese. The .Chinese armies have an ambition that if they are forced to take the field they shall be modernly, equipped. Foreign skins will assuredly suffer, since in comparison with the new Chinese forces the few foreign troops in North China are armed with little better than bow? and arrows. FACTIONAL DISORDERS. ANOTHER CRISIS APPROACHES. INTERNAL MUTINIES. Received Dec. 23, 5.5 p.n?. Hong Kong, Dec. 21. Advices from Canton state that numerous street placards urge a boycott against rhe British and Americans, while others ask the people to unite to gain the Kwantung Customs surplus in order to save the Chinese Nation. Other messages from Canton indicate that factional affairs in China are rapidly approaching another crisis, and this time the position is aggravated by internal mutinies and disaffections. Thus fighting has occurred between Kwangsi and Sunnanese troops, both being nominally united to defend the city against the assaults of the Northern leader, Chenchiungming. The nature of the differences which caused the clash have not yet been learned. Meanwhile, local conditions are unsettled. Sun Yat Sen, following on an appeal to Mr. Ramsay MacDonald, presented an ultimatum demanding that the surplus Cantonese Customs accrued since March 20, 1920, be turned over to his Government, failing which he threatens to appoint new customs officials, who will recognise his authority and execute hie wishes.