HAKKOW AGAIN IN THROES

Taranaki Daily News, 16 November 1927, Page 7

HAKKOW AGAIN IN THROES

GENERAL DESERTS TROOPS PANIC IN NATIVE QUARTERS NANKINGITES ON OUTSKIRT

(British Official Wireless.) Rugby, Nov. 14. During the week-end a state of extreme tension has again arisen at Hankow. The hostile relations which existed tor many weeks between the Nanking authorities and Tang-Slieng-Chili, who has controlled the situation at Hankow, have so developed that with the advance upon Hankow of the Nanking forces Tang-Slieng-Chih has abandoned his troops aiid has sought personal safety, it is believed, under the Japanese flag.' With his departure his abandoned troops looted the native city and disorders became general, despite efforts said to have been made by Ho Chien, one of Tang’s generals, to control the situation with native police pending the arrival of the Nanking troops. At one time a serious fire broke out, but this was quelled by the fire brigade from the former British concession.

Japanese warships in the river landed marines, and the French concession is guarded by troops. According to the latest reports no British forces have so far been landed, though marines are available on vessels in the river if the safety of British nationals and property become directly involved. Yesterday many panic-stricken Chinese from the native city sought safety in the Japanese and French concessions. This morning's reports indicate that the situation is quieter, but considerable anxiety is still felt despite specified assurances by the Nanking authorities that their troops will assume control peacefully.

The latest reports show that, although future developments remain doubtful, the position to-day is easier. The municipal authorities have barricaded the former British concession and the police guarding it have been considerably reinforced. British residents in the Wuhan cities have been advised to remove to within the concession in the native city. Yesterday there was considerable disorder, the panic being increased by frequent shots fired by both soldiery and police and by numerous incendiary fires.

General Hochien, who assumed control after Tang-JShen-Chih’s departure, is stated to be negotiating terms with the Nanking forces, who are on the outskirts of the city.