DIPLOMATS ISSUE STRONG DECLARATION TO CHINESE LEADERS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18091, 26 February 1927, Page 1

DIPLOMATS ISSUE STRONG DECLARATION TO CHINESE LEADERS.

HAVE PRESERVED NEUTRALITY SO FAR, BUT WILL PROTECT NATIONALS IF LIFE AND PROPERTY ENDANGERED

Pointing out that the authorities in the Foreign Settlement have maintained an attitude of complete neutrality during the Chinese civil war, the Diplomatic Body at Shanghai have issued a declaration in which they call on the Chinese to refrain from incidents which make it necessary for the Powers to take any action to protect the life and property of their nationals.

By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Aus. and N.Z. Cable Association.

(Received February 26, 9.45 am.) SHANGHAI, February 25. The Senior Consul has issued the following declaration, adopted by the Diplomatic Body:—

“ In the light of the military events which at present arc taking place in the region of Shanghai and which may at any moment have serious consequences for the safety of the life and property of their respective nationals, as was apparent from the bombardment of February 22, the interested diplomatic representatives feel compelled to recall that the International Settlement at Shanghai, like the other Concessions in China, was established by virtue of regular agreements with the Chinese Government in order to make it possible for foreigners to reside there freely and to carry on their trade. In the course of the party strife of which that region has been the scene, the

authorities of the International Settlement have scrupulously abstained from favouring the acts of the conflicting parties involved, and, despite the difficulties of the situation, they are maintaining in that respect the strict neutrality imposed upon them by the nature of the state cf affairs thus established. The interested diplomatic representatives are thus warranted in expecting on the part of the Sino authorities observvance of the same rule of •conduct. and they look to the heads of the armies involved to take all the measures necessary to avoid incidents which would constrain the foreign authorities themselves to take measures indispensable for ensuring the safety of the persons and property of their nationals.”

A similar declaration has been issued by the French Minister regarding the French Concession. It adds—“ The French authorities are determined to take any measures which the situation max’ render indispensable.”