HOSTILITIES IN CHINA

Waikato Times, Volume 101, Issue 16896, 9 September 1926, Page 7

HOSTILITIES IN CHINA

SENSATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS RED TROOPS CAPTURE HANKOW BRITISH GUN-BOATS IN ACTION. SEVERAL OFFICERS AND MEN KILLED. THOUSANDS OF LIVES IN JEOPARDY. There have been sensational developments In China. The Northern “ Red” forces have captured Hankow, and an advance on Canton Is contemplated. There is a fierce anti-British feeling, and thousands of lives are reported to be in Joepardy. Several British boats, having been commandeered by the militarists, the gun-boats Despatch and Cockchafer endeavoured to forcibly release them. They failed In their enterprise, with the loss of their captains, several other officers and mombers of the’r crews. They withdrew, and a larger force is being organised. A British cruiser and a ’piano carrier have left for the scene.

(Australian and N.Z, Cable Assn.)

SHANGHAI, Sept. 8. The commanders of tlie British gunboats, Despatch and Cockchafer, and a lieutenant aboard tlie Despatcli were killed and 12 others were wounded by llic Northern forces in a successful attempt to release commandeered British steamers. There were startling developments overnight. The Hankow- and Hanyang arsenals were captured by tlie Cantonese troops. Tlie result was that a portion of the defending troops joined Hie enemy. Tlie remainder were routed. Marshal Wu Pei-l’u lias retreated inland. The altitude of Marshal Sun Cliuanfang, Governor-General of the Shanghai district, is uncertain. He may join the Cantonese forces. British intervention is unavoidable. The cruiser Hawkins is being rushed to Hankow to the relief of foreigners.