REDS’ PLANS ALL UPSET.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17854, 24 May 1926, Page 5

REDS’ PLANS ALL UPSET.

BOLSHEVIKS FAIL TO GRIP CHINA. PEKIN, March 30. The Soviet leaders’ original plan was to dominate China from the south, at Canton, from the south centre, at Pekin, and from the north, in Mongolia. Once China was in their power, they* would be able, they considered, to drive out their ancient enemy, Japan, from Manchuria, and also seriously embarass all bthcr “foreign” Pow'ers, especially Britain.

Their success was partial last year, and to-day their influence is steadily decreasing.

The Soviet made use of existing animosities. betw’een North and South China, and various political factions. In the south they: practically dominated Canton, and prevented trade with Hongkong. In the northern centre they used the Christian General Feng as their tool to spread Bolshevik propaganda, and cause riots and troubles at Shanghai. Hankow, and elsewhere, last year. They* expended over £7,500,000 in this work, and promised to support Feng with 50,000 white Soviet troops should he require them. The anti-Reds were Chang Tso Lin, Governor of Manchuria, and Wu Pei Fu, in the central provinces. There was also an anti-Red party in Canton, but this party was weak until the recent success of Chang Tso Lin and Wu Pei Fu. Feng and his armies had, therefore, to resist attacks from north and south. In the north he had successes at first through the defection of one of Chang’s trusted generals. At one time Chang's cause looked to be beaten—though the Japanese behind Chang would never have allowed his defeat. Then Chang rallied and pushed Feng’s troops back towards Pekin. To-day, Tientsin is re-taken, and Feng’s troops are in full retreat. Feng himself has “retired,” and is said to be living quietly at Unga. From the south side Wu Pci Fu has now reached Pao Ting, which is practically within striking distance of Pekin. All Feng’s troops are in retreat, and Pekin will shortly be in the hands of the “Allies.” In 1924 Chang Tso Lin and Wu Pei Fu were enemies—to-day' they are allies. Ht is -qui.te I 4i^^tl] t gi' will quarrel again about the control of Pekin. Meanwhile the President, Marshal Tuan, has taken refuge in the Legation quarter at Pekin. TO MARCH ON CANTON. The “Reds” have now launched an expedition from Canton to attack Wu Pei Fu from the south by way of Hunan and Kiangsi. Their troops have already reached the border of Hunan, which is the buffer State between Canton and Hankow, where Wu Pei Fu.’s headquarters are. The old Governor, Shao I ling Ti, who was a supporter of Wu, has fled to Japan, and General Tang has taken his post. He has 150,000 soldiers, but very little ammunition. Tf he sides with the “Reds” invasion he will get supplies from Canton—if he opposes -them, he will get supplies from Hankow arsenal. Meanwhile, there are small fights in ’Hunan between the supporters of the old Governor Chao and the present Governor TangWu Pei Fu fully* intends to march on to Canton and should not have much trouble in driving out the “Reds.” For already the “Anti-Red” faction in Canton has been able to assert itself to the extent of the capture and execution of some prominent “Red” criminals. . Hongkong, which has languished so patiently since June, 1925, now sees the clouds lifting. The idea of the “Reds” that they* could make a decent port at Canton is only a dream. To allow ocean ships to come to Canton would require the dredging of 50 miles of channel and also the dredging of the harbor at Whampoa. At present ships drawing 15ft. can just manage to get in. The position of Hongkong as the harbour for South China is unassailable, and trade must resume within a few months. THE BOXER INDEMNITY. The Bolshevik power is certainly' on the wane in China, but that does not mean that peace will come when the “Reds” go. There will still be the antagonism between Canton and Pekin (that is between south and north), and besides there will be many other minor factions each fighting for its own narrow interests. If eventually .stable government is to be established, the movement can only* come from the

“student” party'. Misguided and ignorant as they* have shown themselves they* arc still the only real “intelligentia" of China. The vast majority of China's people are farmers, coolies, and soldiers, who arc quite illiterate and inarticulate. The merchants are indiU ferent, and the politicians and generals are only out for money and power. Yet the student party has a very long way to go before it can be considered sane. The British Boxer Indemnity* Commission, under Lord Willingdon, is now touring China, and is sitting in Ilankow to-day*. This commission is to advise the British Government how best to spend the balance due of the Boxer Indemnity. The principle of reserving it for the benefit of the Chinese is paramount. The difficulty' is to decide how to apply it. There are two methods suggested—education and railways. The latter is favoured, as it should be reproductive, and therefore provide permanent revenue for education purposes. But many people here are of the opinion that it is too .soon to determine. The position is like that of a child inheriting money. China is not yet fit to handle the large sums to come from this indemnity. When she has put her house in order it will be time enough to consider the question again. But this will not be the conclusion of the

commission. This will be influenced by the fact that it is expected to give concrete advice.