CHINESE TO ENJOY SAME RIGHTS AS BRITISH CITIZENS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18088, 23 February 1927, Page 15

CHINESE TO ENJOY SAME RIGHTS AS BRITISH CITIZENS.

HANKOW AGREEMENT OUTLINED BY SIR AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN. By TeJeer»ph.-“»Pr«sa Assn.—Copyrl*ht. Aus. and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON. February 21. Speaking in the House of Commons, Sir Austen Chamberlain outlined the terms of the Hankow agreement, in which connection Mr Chen wrote to Mr O’Malley intimating the promulgation of certain regulations, the terms of which the Foreign Office was at present not aware of. Mr O’Malley’' had replied assuring Mr Chen that Britain would do all in her power to complement and assure the successful operation of the scheme, adding that, so far as the British authorities were concerned, Chinese citizens would enjoy the .same rights as British subjects in the area. Mr Chen had replied that the Chinese authorities on their part would do the same and there would be no discrimination against British interests in the district. Mr Chen had proceeded to make a lengthy declaration concerning the settlement of outstanding questions with foreign Powers by negotiation and agreement. This implicitly applied, and was intended to apply, to changes in the status of the Concessions and the International Settlements, and necessarily meant that the Nationalist Government policy was not. to use force or countenance its use. But the Nationalists laid down that the changes were of such vital importance that no local or other Chinese authorities, except the Nationalist Government, can negotiate with foreign Powers in respect to them. Mr O’Malley’s reply, taking note of the foregoing, especially the final clause, said that his Majesty’s Government cannot bind itself to refuse to enter into negotiations with Chinese officials in any part of China in regard to matters arising in areas where such officials are actually exercising dc facto authority.

Sir Austen Chamberlain said he was not certain whether this was embodied in a letter or in a declaration.

Mr Chen earlier announced that the modification of the original plan for the concentrating of British forces at Shanghai, announced by Sir Austen Chamberlain, was regarded by the Nationalist Government as a concession which made it possible to sign the Hankow agreement. Mr Chen added: “ But as this is without legal justification, the Nationalist Government protested against the landing' and trespass of British troops at Shanghai, even for the strictly limited purpose stated by Sir Austen Chamberlain.’’ Mr Chen further declared that the Hankow settlement was not intended to serve as a precedent for the future. status of any British or other ConSir Austen Chamberlain said that he had instructed Mr O'Malley to make it clear to Mr Chen that Britain reserved full power to dispose of her troops a---may be necessary for the protection of British lives at Shanghai. Mr J. R. Clynes thanked Sir Austen Chamberlain for the statement, and welcomed the announcement that the outstanding questions would be settled by negotiation. Mr Lloyd George offered his warmest congratulations, and asked whether negotiations had been opened either with Pekin or with the local authorities in respect of the Shanghai Concession. Sir Austen Chamberlain said that negotiations had been opened with the Pekin Government, to whom Sir Miles Lampson had made a declaration similar to that made to Mr C hen, at the same time reserving the right to negotiate with the de facto authorities in any part of China. “We could not deal with the Shanghai settlement in the same way as we .could with Concessions belonging to us." Mr E. Thurtle (Labour) asked: “Will the Government suggest to the other Powers that they should appoint plenary representatives to consider what steps might be taken in case certain eventualities arise?’’ Sir Austen Chamberlain replied : “The less said about eventualities—which we hope may not arise—the better.’’ Replying to a series of questions relating to China, Sir Austen said that Britain’s aim was to negotiate treaties on a basis' leading ultimately to complete equality and reciprocity. The new administrative body at IJankow would be modelled on the existing one and would consist of both Chinese and British, the Chinese having the castingvote. In this respect there would be a similar body in Kiii-kiang. He had no definite news what arrangements the Pekin Government was making to collect the Customs, but the Cantonese disputed Pekin’s right to exercise authority belonging to the Central Government. Britain’s recent proposals to China provided that Britons there would be liable to regular Chinese taxation not involving discrimination against British subjects and goods—as was, jn fact, imposed upon Chinese citizens throughout. China. Dealing with the position in and around Shanghai, he said that the latest reports showed that Marshal Sun Chuan-fang’s troops were evacuating Hangchow, but at present there was no confirmation that the Cantonese had occupied the city. It was believed that Sun Chuan-fang intended to occupy a defensive position based on Hashing, fifty-five miles from Shanghai. A general strike, involving the post office, essential services, and the cotton mills, began on February ID. The movement was reported to be spreading, but at present there was little disorder. lie was satisfied that British lives and property would be sufficiently protected in all the circumstances which he considered within the bounds of possibilit}\ MORE TROOPS REACH SHANGHAI CITY. SHANGHAI, February 21. The Second Battalion of the Suffolks has arrived. Meanwhile, the Punjabis are returning to Ilong Kong. The Suffolks complete the Indian Brigade of about 4500 men. The Punjabis comprise part of the regular Hong Kong garrison and came here merely as a precautionary measure until the arrival of the others. A Japanese cruiser and lour destroyers have arrived with 300 marines. Three American destroyers are due at any moment from Manila, and the transport Chaumont, carrying 1200 marines from San Diego, is due on February 24. ________