WAR IN CHINA

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume XXIV, 9 April 1927, Page 2

WAR IN CHINA

THE RUSSIAN ATTITUDE. ( Per Press Association —Copyright). LONDON, April 7. Soviet despatches received in London report the massing of at least three Russian battalions, on the borders oi Manchuria ami Mongolia. Some believe that this is connected

with the strained relations® between China and the Soviet, but official circles deprecate alarmist interpretations. They particularly deprecate the idea that this may portend a Chino-Soviet war.

It is pointed out that Russia is unlikely to forget that a declaration of war would only recoil on herself, because it would frustrate th* Soviet’s present methods of conducting a world-wide Communist campaign.

For example, Britain would be able to intern or deport every Russian intriguer and agitator, and presumably every British Dominion would take similar action. Well-informed sources regard the presence of Russian troops rather as a threat, with a view to preventing General Chnng-Tso-Lin proceeding further south against the Cantonese troops.

DESPATCHES FROM THE SCENE OF TROUBLE.

SHANGHAI, April 8. Simultaneously with the departure of General Chaing-Kai-Sheh, from Nanking, guerilla forces again became active. They sniped and wounded a Japanese marine. Immediately a large force of Japanese marines took possession of the streets, with orders to shoot any- ! thing seen moving. As sporadic sniping continued the Japanese Comi mander ordered the marines to advance, after sweeping the streets with Lewis guns. The guerillas rallied. and a short pitched battle followed. Then the attackers escaped in a maze of alley ways.

Early next morning, a second street battle occurred, but the Japanese marines drove off the attackers, who were Cantonese soldiers.

THE BRITISH ATTITUDE

LONDON. April 7

A special Cabinet meeting will be held to-day Io consider the latest report on the Chinese situation. Following the carrying out of a decision to evacuate all Britishers from up-river areas all British warships above Hankow have now returned thither.

Tiiough the Powers’ identical Notes re Nankin have still not been presented to the Cantonese, authoritative circles insist that the delay does not imply any hitch in the negotiations between London, Tokio and Washington. Britain's final instructions were sent to Sir Miles Lampson on Monday, but time was necessary to allow the Governments of the United States and Japan to reach a decision and cable the same to Pekin.

Italy already has agreed to the main principles of the Note. France is confidently expected to join in an international protest. LONDON, April 7.

In the House of Commons, asked by Mr Kenworthy whether he was satisfied with the forces available in Tientsin and Pekin. Sir Worthington Evans replied that the Government was closely watching the situation, hut he was unable to make a statement on the subject. The fresh brigade recently ordered to China was at present under orders to go to Hongkong. Mr Locker Lampson said he had no precise information as to the numbers of Britishers in Pekin. LONDON. April 7.

The Foreign Office is still without official news of the raid on the Russian building in Pekin.