BREAK WITH HANKOW

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19845, 20 May 1927, Page 7

BREAK WITH HANKOW

BRITISH MINISTER LEAVES

No Law or Security Under Present Regime.

PROMISES BROKEN BY CANTONESE

[By Telegraph—Per Press Assn.—Copyright.]

Received May 19, 8 p.m. (A. & N.Z.) SHANGHAI May 18. A statement given out by the British Consular authorities in explanation of the withdrawal from Hankow of Mr Newton (British Minister to the Hankow Government), declares that the British Government had gone out of its way to meet the aspirations of the Hankow Government, yet within a few months of the Minister’s arrival the concession was over-run while the Southern troops, admitted for the purpose of restoring order, remained in unjustified possession. Nevertheless, in ©refer to furnish further evidence of Britain's willingness to put relations with all sections of the Chinese on a proper footing, an agreement was made surrendering the greater part of the safeguards hitherto maintained for British nationals, and placing their responsibility in the hands of the Southern authorities. Abuse and. Propaganda. The Not© continues. that despite the continuous proof of sincerity and goodwill given by the British Government, the conditions of British subjects in the areas controlled by Hankow became worse, and the campaign of abuse and anti-British propaganda continued until the general insecurity of trade and property, and even life, reached a point where British subjects were forced to evacuate every port west of Hankow. The province of Hunan was the first to change control upon the advance from Canton to Hankow and was reduced to a state of almost complete anarchy. Other provinces suffered likewise in proportion to the extent of the Communist influence that invaded them from Hankow. Conditions in Hankow.

“Of conditions in Hankow itself,” says the Note, “it is hardly necessary to speak. The port’s trade is almost at a standstill, whilst the withdrawal of so many residents gives evidence of the general feeling of insecurity. Despite assurances to the contrary, the British Concession at Chinkiang is over-run and British property and the Consulate is occupied. The climax, which shocked the civilised world, was reached when the murderous outrages at Nanking were committed.”

The Not© continues: “While no change has occurred in the British policy towards the legitimate aspirations of the Chinese people wherever authoritatively enunciated, it is clear that those for whom you speak have failed to make good their claim to govern in accordance with the standards of responsible modern government.

Responsibility Shirked. “They have even shirked the responsibility of accepting the moderate terms presented to them for settlement of the outrages in Nanking. His Majesty’s Government has accordingly been forced to the conclusion which we now convey to you: That my retention as representative of his Majesty’s Foreign Minister under a regime so totally incapable of discharging the responsibilities of civilised government is both useless and undesirable. In accordance with instructions I am therefore leaving Hankow forthwith.” ■INDIAN NATIONALISTS RECALL OF TROOPS DEMANDED AMBULANCE CORPS FOR CHINA Received May 19, 7 p.m. (A. & N.Z.) DELHI, May 19. The Hindu Social Workers’ Society is sending an ambulance corps to China to do such work among the Chinese sick and wounded as is recognised by the Red Cross Society throughout India. The All-InJia Congress committee, composed of the Nationalist political parties, is demanding that the Government of India should withdraw Indian troops from China. WARSHIPS SHELL FORTS CHINESE FACTIONS SHOOTING VERY BAD (A. & N.Z.) SHANGHAI, May 18. The Northern warship Haichi, accompanied by another cruiser and armed merchantmen, hove-to three miles from Woosung. The Haichi and Woosung forts then exchanged two hundred shells. The Haichi was not hit, but the fort was slightly damaged. The Northern ships then proceeded to sea. The British naval authorities report that the engagement lasted for one hour. The Southern warships anchored in Shanghai Harbour are prepared to depart for Woosung. The shooting on both sides is described as frightfully bad, and this is responsible for merchant shipping being held up, being afraid to venture within miles.