A VANISHING ARMY.

Wairarapa Age, 5 March 1927, Page 5

A VANISHING ARMY.

SUN CHUAN-FANG’S FORCES REPLACED. TROOPS SEEK FOREIGN PROTECTION. THE CANTONESE. ADVANCE. SHANGHAI, March 3. In order to prevent the Cantonese absorbing more leaderless troops, Sun Chuan-fang’s army has been all replaced by men from the Shantung front.. Sun Chuan-fang’s men are returning to Shanghai disarmed. They are being permitted to enter the foreign Settlements in small batches under the supervision of the British. There is now virtually a clear-cut issue between the Cantonese and the Shantung Army. It is significant that Chinese troops are seeking protection in the foreign settlements, which is now freely given if they are not carrying arms.

Li Pao-chang, Defence Commissioner at Shanghai, who was responsible for the drastic measures against agitators during the recent strike, has been replaced by a nominee of Chang-Tsung Chang, General Pi Shou Chen, the youthful commander of the Shantung forces in the Shanghai-Sungkiang area. He is- also admiral of the Shantung navy.

Conscription of coolies is reported to be going on in the suburbs of Shanghai.

There are many unconfirmed reports of fighting at. Wukuang, ten miles south of Foochow. If these are correct, they indicate that the Nationalists are near their objective, wkieh is to cut off railway communication between Shanghai and Nanking.—(A. and N.Z.) QUIET IN SHANGHAI. RUGBY, March 3. Quiet conditions continue in the international Settlement at Shanghai, and the defensive precautions are described as adequate and complete. Accommodation for the defence force has largely been erected by Chinese workmen.—(British Official Wireless.) RED TERRORISM. SHANGHAI, March 3. A new murder bureau has (been formed to terrorise the Shanghai workers into 1 joining the Red movement. It has prepared a long list of victims to be sacrificed in an attempt to cow the dissenting element responsible for the failure of the general strike. There have been twelve assassinations in twelve days.—(Sydney “Sun.”) PASSPORTS REFUSED. CHINESE LABOUR DELEGATES. LONDON, March 3. The Home Office has refused visas to the Chinese Labour representatives, Han Sing Laiu and Kuen Chan, now at Brussels, whom the London Trades Hall Council has invited to visit England.-— (A. and N.Z.)