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2. Although I now have a wireless chain from Hankow to Shanghai, the wireless work is found to be very difficult; the Chinese shore stations still accept telegrams, but it is quite problematical whether they send them through, and in any case a delay of some days is to be expected. Consequently everything has to be done by wireless, and the consular authorities at all the ports look to the ships to transmit their messages, besides the large amount of naval work going on.
With the ships of five nations (British, American, German, Japanese, and French) thus competing against each other, the result was confusion, and I have arranged with the other nations that the twelve hours of day and night shall be allotted, two to each nation exclusively and the remaining two for general use.
3. The situations at the three centres of the fighting are at present as follows:-
Nanking.
The opposing forces are at Peng-pu, on the Tien-tsin-Pukow Railway line, about 100 miles north of Pukow. It seems probable that the northern army will drive back the southern army on Pukow, and, as the latter hold the railway line, they should be able to effect their retreat without any difficulty, perhaps destroying the line behind them.
The danger here lies in the possibility of a routed and demoralised southern force arriving in Nanking unpaid and unfed, and ready to start looting. Apart from this, there is no reason to anticipate disturbances in Nanking itself.
The southern wounded are being sent down in considerable numbers, and there is only very indifferent medical aid for them.
I have offered the services of our medical officers, and they have been accepted but not made use of yet. The Chinese said they would send word when they desired them.
Shanghai.
Southern attacks on the arsenal close to Shanghai take place nightly, and so far have failed completely. The Chinese ships there have been taking part with the northerners in the defence of the arsenal.
The Shanghai international corps of volunteers has been called out for the defence of the settlement, if required, and the British and foreign ships there are prepared to land armed parties.
I have ordered "Monmouth" and "Hampshire" to Wusung-as near to Shanghai
as they can go and "Welland" and "Uak" to Shanghai itself.
*C
"Newcastle," "Ribble," and "Woodlark" are already at Shanghai, so the British naval force there will be a strong one.
Kiukiang.
The northern troops are meeting with general success, and appear to be driving the southern troops before them with slight opposition. No change has been reported during the last forty-eight hours.
*
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4. I have heard from Hong Kong that trouble is feared at Canton. The "Otter and "Fame" have been sent there, the latter being completed to full crew from
Rosario," and also taking twenty marines.
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I have, &c.
T. H. M. JERRAM,
Mr. Alston to Sir Edward Grey-(Received August 23.) (No. 199.) (Telegraphic.) R.
Peking, August 23, 1913. CRITICAL situation has arisen at Chengtu owing to 1st division having thrown in their lot with Chungking rebels, against whom they were sent. They are said to be marching on Chengtu. General Yin, at Yachow, has been threatened with death unless he declares against the Government, which he is expected to do at any moment. Other towns have also revolted.
One division of troops from Yünnan-fu, intended for pacification of Hunan, have been diverted to Szechuan. Foreigners so far all safe.
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