CO129-520-1 Chinese situations 20-12-1929 - 27-1-1931 — Page 20

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would survive victory.

While though the withdrawal

of Chiang Kai-shek might bring an immediate end to hostilities it would not bring the cause of

unification any nearer and in the event of his

removal, a number of the more experienced Government

officials would also have to go.

2. The Kwangsi and Ironside forces after

evacuating Kwangsi a month ago, marched into Hunan,

with the object of taking Hankow which is one of the

key points to the defence line of Chiang Kai-shek.

Changsha

They took Hengchow/and Yochow without much resistance

as the troops under Ho Chien either surrendered or

retreated at their approach, But when Yochow had

been taken it was found that Hankow had been

strongly garrisoned by Government troops withdrawn

from the Peking-Hankow Railway and that Kiukiang could not be taken and kept except with great

difficulty. In order to avoid being caught between

the Nanking troops at Hankow and those forces that

Canton under Chan Chai-tong had sent in pursuit,

Cheung Fat-fui, has marched his men into Kiangsi, whence he can threaten Kiukiang, Cheki ang or Kwangtung as the opportunity permits. The rest of the Kwangsi forces are retreating to Yungchow in the

South of Hunan so as to keep open communications

with the rebel remnants in Kwangsi, and to threaten Kwangtung from the West.

3.

Kwangtung affairs have for the moment

taken a peaceful turn, but Kwangsi is still in a

state

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