WAR IN CHINA

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume XXIV, 31 December 1926, Page 6

WAR IN CHINA

(Per Press Association—Copyright SHANGHAI, December 29. Refugees are pouring into bhangbai • from Hangchow, the capital of the tffiekiaiig province, distant from Shanghai 100 miles, indicating that a Cantonese bid for the possession of Shanghai is imminent. Dining the past fortnight the Cantonese have been busy spreading propaganda among the Chekiang ao diery, and succeeded in causing the latter to declare independence from General Sun-Chuan-Fang, the Governor ot Shanghai, who is thus stripped of a considerable portion of the army. The remainder, amounting to 20,000 are suspected of disloyalty. Tel graph communication between Shanghai and Hangchow is interrupted. Fighting is reported between General Sun-Chuan-Fang’s forces of Chekiangites, who are virtually Red, and the Shantung an#y, at present stationed at the Nankin-Yangtsze railway terminus, which were expected to rush to Shanghai to prevent the entry of the Cantonese, Thi s is not expected to transpire, according to private information, stating that one of General _ Sun-Chuan-Fang’s subordinates is stationed midway on the railway, commanding a sizeable force, which threatens to prevent the advance of the Shantungese. as a result of a long-standing grudge, the outcome of a former inter-province war. Shanghai’s chief concern is now probable disorders and lootings at the hards of General Sun-Chuan-Fang’s undisciplined troops retreating from the Cantonese. Much anxiety is felt by merchants and dionkeepers outside the settlements. His Majestv’s cruiser Enterprise from the Mediterranean, is due at Shanghai on Saturday. Fore'gn vessels in th" Yanetsze Gorges again have been subjected to attacks from the hanks, occupied hr lendarless troops, and services are suspended. LONDON, December 29. Although the Government has not yet received official replies to the British memorandum to China, it is wemi-officially stated that it is acceptable to Italy, Belgium and the United States, while France maintains an attitude of reserve, and Japan is inclined to be critical. All the Chinese parties, though not enthusiastic, are likely to accept it, particularly the proposals relating to the immediate imposition of the Washington surtaxes.