ARREST OF ALL REBELS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 2, 4 January 1939, Page 7

ARREST OF ALL REBELS

REPORTED ORDER BY CHIANG KAI-SHEK WANG CHING WEI INCLUDED Received Jan. 3, 5.5 p.m. SHANGHAI, Jan. 2. It is reported that Marshal Chiang Kai-shek has ordered the arrest of the Minister of Communications, Peng Hsue Hpei, for providing an aeroplane for Wang Ching Wei’s escape. An official communique orders the arrest of all the rebels, for whom extreme punishment is promised. This is interpreted as applying to Wang Ching Wei. The Times’ Shanghai correspondent says that Wang Ching Wei has been deprived of all posts for a violation of discipline endangering the State. Marshal Chiang Kai-shek, after the receipt of Wang Ching Wei’s message during the negotiations v/ith Japan, summoned the Kuomintang executive and suggested giving Wang Ching Wei time to repent, but the meeting decided on expulsion for life, which is the greatest loss of face that can be inflicted. The executive reaffirmed the principle of a fight to the finish. Wang Ching Wei, vice-president of the Kuomintang, was reported recently to be endeavouring to contact the Japanese with the object of talking peace terms. Marshal Chiang Kai-shek subsequently disclaimed any official move in that direction, also Wei’s authority to act in any discussions with the Japanese.