+
py.
Cypher telegram from Mr. Alston (Peking)
C
27603
124
REGE 9 AUG 13
to Foreign Office, dated 3rd. August, 1913.
(R).
No. 182.
Southern Rebellion in China.
General situation.
Central Goverment continue generally successful in
Yang-taze Valley.
Rebel forces based at anking are re-
treating down Tien-tsin-Pukow line, and two divisions will
probably desert to northerners.
Northern forces in Kiangsi
are driving the rebels towards Nanchang, and latter are not
expected to offer serious resistance. Kuling is no longer
within area of operations. Rebel attacks on Shanghai
arsenal have been discontinued during the last four days.
Woosung forts remain in the hands of the south, but their
capture is expected shortly. Position in Hunan and part of
Hupei doubtful, but the President is confident that he will
completely control Yang-tsze Valley within a month.
(Confidential).
Until the situation in the Yang-tsze Valley is
entirely under Yuan-shih-kai's control, as anticipated by
him, I understand he has no intention of undertaking a mili-
tary