CO129-520-1 Chinese situations 20-12-1929 - 27-1-1931 — Page 36

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civil war, he can rely upon the support of Feng Yu-

hsiang and his Kuominchun generals, the majority of the

Shansi generals, Li Tsung-jen and the Kwangsi faction

Cheung Fat-fui, Lau Chun-hau, Yeung Sam of Szechuan,

and Lau Chan-nin of Chefoo, but it is doubtful whether

Yen Hsi-shan has the character or ability to control

his allies. Mukden continues to sit on the fence.

4. In the South the unexpected invasion of

Southern Kwangtung early in March, culminating in the

capture of Pakhoi and Limchow, which were evacuated a

few days later, is supposed to have given the anti-

Government forces the opportunity of obtaining much

needed stores via the sea coast. How far they

succeeded is not known. Up to the present there have

been few troop movements on the part of the Cantonese

forces, but at the time of writing an offensive is said

ive? to be in progress. Their objection is the capture of

Nanning and the rich opium revenue it controls. The Canton forces are better armed and provisioned than their

opponents. They have the advantage of naval assistance,

aeroplanes and money.

The uncertain factor is the

loyalty of their Generals.

5. Early in March Lau Pui-chuen alias Lau Ngai-fu,

Director of the 10th Squadron of the Aviation Bureau

Yunnan passed through Hong Kong on his way from Nanking

to Canton where he is supposed to be re-organizing the

Air Force of the National Government.

During the

middle of the month aeroplanes bombed both Lauchow and Nanning where it is rumoured damage was done to Li Tsung- jen's headquarters and the provincial Government House.

jre going

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