436
to Tokyo.
sir,
i
C.O
BRITISH LEGATION.
56923
PEYING.
543
September 22nd, 1018.
REC
REGS 26 NOV 18
Ever since the summer the lull in serious fighting
between the forces of the North and South has continued, but
there have been a certain number of desultry skirmishes and
much moving about of troops in the province of Pukien.
At the beginning of this month the small town of Halenyd
garrisoned by some 300 to 400 Northerners was taken by
assault by a mixed force of Southern troops and bandita. The
Southerners also captured Changchow, 30 miles inland of Amoy,
and began to advance on Aroy itself, the Northern troops
folling back into the city. Government troops in South Pukien
were reported to be deserting in large numbers to the Southern
Party. 1ghting on the outskirts of Amoy actually began on
7
*
the 16th instant, on the mainland south of the harbour.
Chinese mem-of-war that were resent took no part in the
conflict. This latest remort frog is Majesty's Consul is to
the effect that the southern attack in been driven back.
There are rumours of meace negotiati ns between the local
leaders on a basis of appointment to Government offices.
'lig Majesty's Consuls at Touchow and Amoy have been carefully watching the situation and have taken all mosgible precautions for securing the safety of British lives and
property. H.1.3. "Cadmus" and two Japanese destroyers are
at hand at Amoy and another Japanese destbuyer is at Pouchow.
Preparations are said to be under way at Chungking, where a military conference of the local Southern Commanders was recently held, for a renewal of hostilities against South
Shensi and North Hupeh. All these movements are causing some
anxiety to the Peking Government, whose nosit un 7 by no
means secure; and who have lately been following a quieter
policy, in the hope that the south might be reconciled by the he Right Honourable,
Election
A.
BalfaYHUMA