CO129-416 - Public Offices - 1914 — Page 262

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No. 114.

Mr. Alston to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received August 9.}

(No. 184.) (Telegraphic.)

Peking, August 9, 1913.. THE general situation is unchanged. As far as the Lower Yang-tsze Valley is concerned the power of the rebels has apparently been broken. The northern troops are, however, making very slow progress in Kiangsu and Kiangsi, and the rebels, who are in considerable force near Nanking and Nanchang, have sustained no decisive defeat. They will be paid off out of loan funds on their surrender, which is expected shortly.

At Canton the situation is very obscure. Kuangsi troops are on the West River at Samshui, and are reported to be waiting for ammunition. Fighting has been in progress between the rebel forces in the town, but on the advance of the loyal forces they will probably combine. The concessions are being protected by troops from Hong Kong

Hupei has been invaded by Hunan troops in the rebel interest. The independence of Eastern Szechuan has been declared by a division at Chungking which has revolted. The forts at Wusung are being attacked by northern troops, and the arsenal at Shanghai has been relieved. The Diplomatic Body are allowing the northern forces to reoccupy Chapei at the request of the Chinese Government.

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No. 117.

Mr. Alston to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received August 11.)

(No. 300.) Sir,

Peking, July 28, 1913. IN my despatch No. 296 of the 21st instant I had the honour to report on the opening of the campaign which is being led by Huang Hsing and the dismissed Tutus of Kiangsi, Anhui, and Kuangtung against the Provisional President.

Since the above date nothing has occurred which would lead me to change my opinion that the movement is primarily due to personal animosity felt by the above individuals for Yuan Shih-kai and to the desire of the Kuo Min Tang party to obtain a share of the higher and more lucrative offices of State from which they have been excluded. Beyond the military forces of Kiangsi and Kiangsu the movement appears to remain unsupported by any serious element of the Chinese population. The masses remain apathetic, and it is probable that the large majority of workers throughout the country rest in ignorance that an attack on the Central Government is in progress. The provinces of Fukien, Chekiang, and Kuangtung have, it is true, declared their independence. They have, however, refrained up to the present from offering armed assistance to the rebel forces in the field. The past week has, on the other hand, not been without signs that the bulk of the articulate elements in the country are

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