CHINESE AFFAIRS.

Waikato Times, Volume 102, Issue 17077, 14 April 1927, Page 7

CHINESE AFFAIRS.

SITUATION OBSCURE.

BRITAIN PATIENTLY WAITING.

MEETING OF THE CABINET

(Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) (Rec. April 14, 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, April 13.

In the one word "obscurity" the Foreign office sums up iitc Chinese position. It is patiently waiting for the outcome of the various Chinese Generals' reappearances on the scenes of their former activities, and at present halting the tide of Nationalism. It is understood the Cabinet, this morning discussed whether in the growing uncertainty of events, .the strength of the British rorccs is adequate for the wider sphere of protection of British people. The presence of Sir 11. M. Trenehard, Chief Air Marshall and Admiral Lord Beatly at the meeting of the Cabinet strengthens the idea that a plan is being contemplated of sending a fleet of submarines and flying boats to operate in the affected areas on the Yangtsze.

Official circles do not regard seriously the stories of Japanese and Russian frontier mobilisations, and strongly doubt that the Russians 'have military operations in view.

In the House of Commons, Sir Austen Chamberlain told Mr 11. Day (Labour, Southwark) that the British military forces in China at present con" sisled "of sixteen infantry battalions with necessary auxiliary troops, also 14,000 navy personnel. Four additional battalions were en route to China.