PARLIAMENT AND THE CHINA CRISIS.
MR. J. R. MACDONALD'S AMIABLE OPTIMISM.
PRIME MINISTER'S REVIEW OF THE FACTS.
TROOPS MAY STAY IN HONG KONG.
During the course of the debate on the speech from the Throne, Mr. Ramsay MacDonald expressed the opinion that the Govern- ment were entirely in error in making provision for the defense of" Shanghai. He feared the effect of the despatch of troops would be to unite Chins against us.
The Prime Minister, in reply, emphasised the impossibility of guaranteeing the safety of British lives and property except by force of arms, and referred pointedly to the Hankow incidents.
The strength of the fores to be landed would depend on the local situation. If there were no signs of an emergency the leading brigade would remain at Hong Kong for the time being. (THROUGH MEUTER'S LORNOY.]
LONDON, February 8th.
Cabinet Hasolution.
yesterday:-
THE HONG KONG DAILY PRESS. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10th,
That the general policy of the Government be based on the fel- lowing considerations: Our troops
Mr. Baldwin read the following In moving the Address in reply resolution passed by the Cabinet to the Speach from the Throne, in the House of Commons, the Hon. Oliver Stanley said that the pro- | mised legislation dealing with Trade Unions did not threaten any vital aims of the Trade Unions No responsible body would coun tenance any attempt to destroy Trade Unionism.
Mr. Charles Macandrew, in seconding, dealt mainly with China, declaring that the British Government, had taken the only sale course.
Labour And Trade Union Law, Mr. Ramsay MacDonald contend- ed that any difficulties arising, out of the present position of the Trade Union law should not be dealt with just at this moment. If the Gor- ernment were wise it would leave matters alone. (Opposition cheers.) Ho declared that the Trades Union Bill would be regarded by every Labour organisation as a political movement for advancing political issues. It would be fought at every stage. (Labourite cheeri.)
THE CHINA PROBLEM
BRITISH PUBLIC BATTLE FOR
OPINION.
SUPPORT FOR CABINET POLICY,
GENERAL PRESS APPROVAL.
ני
[BRITISH WIRELESS SERVICE.]
Ruday, February 9th.”
A survey of the press shows that the hopeful references to the Chi nese situation in the King's speech and the reassuring statement of Cabinet policy made in Parliament by the Premier express completely the general sentiment of the British public.
|
SHANGHAI?
MORE CHINESE MEMBERS.
1927.
AMERICA'S NEW PRESIDENT.
SOUTHERNERS NOW CLAIM NINE SEATS ON SHANGHAI MR. COOLIDGE NOT TO BE
+
SUCCESS.
THE HONAN SITUATION. Following westerday's report of an important access for Marshal Sun Chuan Fang's forces in Che hiang, who were said to have almost cleared the province of Cantonese troops, we have to-day from Shang- hai native and Cantonese sources claims of a Southern victory,
We give the news for what it is worth," and with both sides claim ng victory little more ha de fer Shanghai may bave opened. duced than that the big battle for
14
Yesterday Router reported fairly confidently that Sun Chuen Feng's troops had gained an important
SUCCESS.
FIGHTING ON THE TSINTANG RIVER.
From the Honan theatre of war comes the news, from Chinese The Times says that Mr. Bald telegram, that Fangtiensse troops have been ordered to cross the win's statement leaves little opening Yellow River and proceed to the for criticism, it rearms in un-support of Wu Fel-Fn whose attack assailable terms the principles and on an important strategies point is held up by the commued disloyalty plans which underlie British policy of his subordinates
The Daily Telegraph discusses the, statement that the actus disem barkation at Shanghai would be decided in accordance with the facts of the local situation and that it an immediate landing there were not advised by the British repre
CANTONESE ADVENCING: sentatives on the spot the troops would in any case be held in rosdi-,
SHANGHAI, Feb. 9th, It is learned from Kuomintang ness at Hong Kong. It remarks circles in Canton, that a telegram ceive from our representatives on that the question is one of security has been received from Nanchang the spot. If they consider that and nothing else. If that can ac-Knocuintang my headquarters, to the capital of Kiangai and the the emergency requires the in- mediate disembarkation at Shang tually be guaranteed by the presence hai we shall act accordingly. If of the defence force at such a dis- not the leading Brigade of troops tanco from the place where pro- will be held in readiness at Hong Kong, whilst the rest of the tection may be required public force is approaching. There can, opinion will be satisfied. of course, be no question of enter ing into any arrangement with Mr. Eugene Chen or anybody else win's statement w... be heartily up.kiang and Chn-ki, about 100 miles
are sent to the Far East to safe- guard British life in China, and particularly at Shanghai; that was and is the only policy of the Government The question of the time at which and the manner and the number in which troops should be landed at Shanghai mult, obviously, depend on the local situation and the advices we re-
11
The Morning Post says Mr. Baid.
in connection with the movement proved, throughout the country. of troops which were despatched solely with the object of protect ing British life." cheers.)
(Ministerial
""A Possible Massacre."
The Daily Express welcomes the emphasis which was again laid on the fact that troops have been des patched only for the protection of
Mr. Baldwin assured Mr. Ram-lives against mob violence and ay MacDonald that all the points armed attack and that Britain will the latter had put had been cor maintain her traditional policy of sidered by the Government, but the non-interference in Chinese internal Government's responsibility "gave affairs Britain once more offers
na
The Daily News believes that during the past few days hold out charges for the better in China.
SHANGHAI COUNCIL.
CHINESE RATEPAYERS”
DEMAND,
RE-ELECTED?
| THIRD, TERM AGAINST U.8.A. CUSTOM
TROOPS LEAVE HONG KONG.
DURHAMS AND GLOUCESTERS
BOUND FOR SHANGHAL.
[
The 2nd Batt. of the Durham "Light Infantry and the 2nd Batt, af the Gloucester regiment left for
the FRIENDS THINK OTHERWISE. Shanghai, yesterday, on
Talliwa and the Farne, the [BEUTER'S 'AMERICAN SERVICE. ].
steamers which brought them to
Hong Kong
8.3.
SHANGHAI, Feb. 9th. The Chinese Ratepayers' Associa tion which is entrusted with the election of three Chinese to the Shanghai International Municipal | Council now demand the election
NEW YORK, February 5th.
The troops arrived on Monday of nine Chinese as the present seek re-election to the Presidency board whilst waiting instructiona That President Coolidge will not and Tuesday and remained on Connel consists of nine foreigners in 1929 is the opinion expressed from Home.. and on the ground that the British in a speech by Dr. Butler, Presi proposals have offered the Chinese a share in the administration of the Concessions
ratepayers it was agreed that three At the annual meeting of foreign
Chinese should be elected to the Council,
HANKOW NEGOTIATIONS
CONTINUE.
HANKOW, Feb. 8th. Following" a two-hour meeting yesterday afternoon, Mr. Eugene Chen and Mr. O'Malley again miet this morning.
It is learned that they are examining the position created by
Mr. Chen's statement refusing to
hai, with a view to ascertaining whether the difficulty can be sur mounted,
PEKING CONSIDERING,
the effect that serious fighting is sign an agreement while British in progress in Chekiang along the forces are concentrating at Shang Taintang Hiver and according to latest reports from the war zone, decisive inccessen have been gained by the Kuomintang troops who are pursuing the enemy forces Po-
South of Hanchów. The report farther states that General Ho Ying Yam, the Kuomintang Commander of the 1st Army Corps is establish- ing his headquarters at Lankai, on the upper part of the Taintong River and General Pak Sung Chi, other Kuomintang feld-com mander, will shortly arrive there to
meet General Ho.
FURTHER CANTONESE
REPORTS.
تم کو
We learn from a Chinese sourse that though the, above mentioned report appeared in Canton papers in the repost. there may be a certain foundation
As to reports Irom Shanghai Marshal Sun Chan Fang has in- structed his authorities to censor the news very carefully,
PERING, Feb. sth. It is unofficially but reliably re- ported that the Cabinet to-day dis cussed Britain's latest proposals but decided not to reply thereto until the British Reply to the Note regarding the despatch of troops had been received.
SHANGHAI A NEUTRAL ZONE.
JAPANESE OBJECTION↑
SHANGHAI, Feb. th.. According to a Chinese telegram.
tude is in complete harmony with from Shanghal Great Britain's atti- reasonable chance of a peaceful
that adopted by America towards issue being reach. It adds that Sun Chuen Fang is going to declare the proposal that Shanghai should both factions have now had leisure his independence and may possibly
Mr. Ramsay Maconald, referring the factors rather different to remove all real grievances and to China, said that when the mill-weight. Appearances in Ching to establish relations of friendship tary defence force was sent out to today, recalled what wLA seen and good will. That is an un act as policemen, a hew situation shortly before the Boxer troubles impeachable policy and one that is was created. It might possibly in The danger lay not merely from a bound to succeed if China cares to erease the security of Britishers at pich in Shanghai, but the pos of good faith and straight-forward
emplate Great Britain in the matter Shanghai, and possibly not. Mr.sibility was shown at Baakow that MacDonald was. of opinion that the if bloodshed was begun, Chiness reaction on the other side would be troops would be fighting with the bad. The first effect was to unite mob and with a possible massacre Peking and Canton in a protest. of Whites. Mr. Baldwin said that If the Chinese Governments either as regards the situation at Han at Peking or Canton, deliberately ow, nothing had occurred to make adopted the policy violently to ėject us 'alter our determination to us from China, the reaction in this achieve our ends by negotiation. country would be so great that no- Mr. O'Malley was at this moment body would care to contemplate the awaiting a further communication result. The only way of diminish from Mr. Chen, and possibly, the ing the risks of Britishers in Government, by Thursday, would Bhanghai was to proceed with be able to tell the House something negotiations and get such arrange more in that connection. ments under consideration as would Recognition of South Imposible.
make
outbreak 6.4 absolutely impossible..
of violence
"What Better Security ) " Baj, on the contrary, the Gov ernment was playing with fire. He refused to believe that a judicious handling of the situation could not get the Hankow agreement signed. -If that were nigred, what better. security could there be for Bri- tishers in Shanghai i
Mr. MacDonald asked for in-
In emphasising British neutra lity in Chinese internal affairs, the Premier said that-the South would like us to declare that they are the Government of China when they hold authority over but a fraction thereaf.
3
that Chen Tao Yuen, the Tapan of It is also reported from Canton Anbui and a supporter of Marshal
realise something of their enormous stated that Kuomintang fagu are between the South and North and to study the British proposals and go over to the Kuomintang. It is be kept free from the civil war significance to the future of China.fying over Anking, the capital al These proposals are the best possible that province, and a Kuomintang Russian propagands party branch is being established
there. against Britain,
answer to
The Manchester Guardian refer- ring to the decision regarding the troops, says: We are now broad- ly in line with the United States who have also strengthened their forces in Far Eastern waters but have declined to dispatch any to
Shanghai itself until the necessity arises."
THE ANGLO-AMERICAN
ENTENTE.
CURIOUS FRENCH COMMENT.
The Paris press continues to
-ད་
OPPOSITION TO BE INGORED.
NORTHERN TROOPS FOR HONAN,
SHANGHAI, Feb. 9th. ing to launch an attack on the Marshal Wu Pei Fu is still hesitat
Southerners-unt „Masingkwan, ma strategic point at the extreme southern border, of Honan, be cause he has any uncertain hold on his troops, and in view of this Marshal Chang Tao Lin is ordering all Fengtienese detailed for service
in Honan to cross the Yellow River.
According to latest report, an important conference was called on
to
that fighting should be prevented within a radius of 30 miles of Shanghai, But, according to the aame report, Japan bas raised an objection and the Japanese Minister at Peking, it is reported, is to see Marshal Chang Tso Lin who is ready to negotiate on this matter.
GUAM MARINES FOR SHANGHAI
DESPATCHED ON U.S.S.
"PECOS."
last Thursday the detachment of According to the Manila Times of
Guam Marinos ordered to the
Philippines by the Navy Depart- ment, were, to arrive at Cavite last Friday morning on the navy trans- port Gold Star.
The sea-going soldiers were to be immediately dispatched to Shang- Asiatic Fleet, which was then pre- hai on the U.S.S.. Pecos, of the paring for a fast trip. It is evi- dent, comments the Manila Times,
The as. Sirhana with the Fun-
It WAA
dent of Columbia University. He jahis is expected to-day or to-mor expressed the view that it would row. No defnite plans have been be fatal for the Republicans to
most persistent convictions of the rumoured that all were raise the third-term issue and deade regarding the destination of clared that one of the deepest and the British Division." American people was that no pre- stationed, for some time sident should hold office three rate, in Hong Kong, but now the times. President Coolidge's common probabilities seem to be that one aense would lead him to announce Brigade will go to Shanghai, one. bis unwillingness to stand when will stay in Hong Kong and one. the proper time came.
will stay in Singapore.
Dr. Butler stated that farm re liet and foreign policy would be the main issues of the Presidential campaign. He declared that no. would stand a chance. one who was not frankly "wet"
While Dr. Butler disclaimed direct information, significance is the week-end at White House.. attached to the fact that he spent
Fi
to ba at any
MORE DESTROYERS.
8TH FLOTILLA LEAVES HOME.
(THROUGH ALUTER'S AGENCY.]
LONDON, February 8th. The flotilla leader Bruce and the destroyers Thracian, Seraphy Serapit, ... INTER
Sirdar, Stormcloud
Coolidge will accept nomination
In connection with the specula Somme, Sterling and Sepoy have tion 03 to whether President left for China from Sheerness. for re-election in 1998 it is interest Destrorer Flotilla, which is com These boats comprise the 8th ing to note that while the President manded by Capt. C. H. G. Bensons refuses to discuss the question D.S.O. (Seniority June 30th, 1994). friends of his are of opinion that
The following are other details: he would accept nomination if it MS. Bruce, Flotilla Leader of were offered to him, while still 1,500 tons, carrying five 47 guns more cathusiastic friends are de- and three anti-aircraft guns. Com- claring that if business conditions.manded by Lient.-Com. J. P. White, in the United States continue proe- perous he will receive nomination
on the platter." Senator. Borah who like Dr. Butler is believed to be hoping for nomination sent a letter to the latter to-day promis ing to help him to make Prohibition an issue at the next Presidential Convention. Unlike Dr. Butler, however, Senator Borah is seeking nomination as a dry advocate.
"PRESIDENT HARDING"
IN DIFFICULTIES..
OIL FUEL LEAKS AWAY.
[REUTER'S AMERICAN SERVICE.]
HALIFAX, February 8th. The United States liner Presi
ed, owing to leaking oil tanks. The dent Harding has been brought in by three tags, her fuel supply exhaust- tuga picked up the liner helpless when 20 miles out. The crew were then chopping up the hatch com- for shivering passengers. bines to provide fuel to cook food
IMMIGRATION LAW TO
STAND.
[EEDTER'S AMERICAN SERVICE]
WASHINGTON, February 9th.
The
of 'in 1927.
D.S.C..
H.M.S. Sepoy (Lieut.-Com. A. La Pears).
H.M.S. Seraph (Lieut.Com o M. Crockett).
H.M.B. Serapis (Commander L D'O. Bignell)
H.M.S. Sirdar (Lieut-Com G. N. Graham).
HM.5. Somme (Lieut.-Com. · F. 8. W
V. de Winton).
H.M.E. Sterling (Lieut.-Com H. T. Arlias).
B
HMS. Stormcloud (Lieut-Com P. H. G. James).
B.M.S. Thracian (Lieut. Com. R Nash, D.B.C.
All the above seven deatroyers are of 1,075 tons and carry three 4-inch guns.
INDIAN CURRENCY CONTROVERSY.
VOTE OF CENSURE ON GOVERNMENT CARRIED.
[REUTER'S AMERICAN SERVICE]
NEW DELHI, Feb. sth... The Legislative Assembly by 52 votes to 45 have carried & motion censuring the Government for its decision to postpone the Exchange Ratio Bill.
The Government spokesmen had new immigration quotas, declared that the house must weigh, even if finally adopted, cannot be the advantages and disadvantages effective before. July, 1928, instead of the two ratios after knowing In consequence the whether under the 16d ratio it may Senate have passed a resolution in be called upon to abandon the favour of postponement which the policy of a remission of P House Immigration Committee has contributions and impose approved.
taxation which may hamper railway
mem
The Committee. has also drafted development. an amendment repealing the new [It may be remembered that on gulations governing immigration Congress Executive decided by 5 provision altogether and leaving re- February 6th the Indian National on the existing basis.
vetes to to direct its bers on the Legislative Assembly to ITALIAN AVIATOR'S PLAN. support the
Bixteepencs zupes ratio, but it is understood the Government is determined to enact an eighteenpenny ratio, even by re- sorting to the Governor-Generala: power of certifying the Billas essential for the interests of the country, whereby it would come into operation forthwith.
ROUND AND ABOUT THE WORLD.
THE DRUM COLOCHER CINEMA DISASTER.
IRISH GOVERNMENT ABAN- DON PROSECUTION.
THROUGH REUTER'E AGENCY.]
It was impossible for us to do that as it was impossible for us to help the North in various feature the crisis in China Figaro directions they would like. Noin 22 article entitled the Anglo- the 7th instant st Hauchow, North- body knew when China would American entente says that the west Kiangsu, by Chu Ta Pok, the Chinese drama and its repercussions Tupan of Chihli, and at this meer again be united or what form a
all over Asia will severely atraining were Ka Ying Che, the Tupan united Chins might take.
Anglo-American co-operation and of Honaa, Hsu Yuen Chan and Kao Nothing New For China. thinks that British must now begin Jin Chai, two of General Chang
"(THROUGH BEUTER'S AGENCY.] formation on various points, in- To-day's events were nothing new to realise the price abe paid by Tsung Chang's subordinates. It cluding; what communications had in the history of China, for they
M sacrificing the Anglo-Japanese was decided that the 8th Shantung
Rom, February 8th. were common to every period of alliance on the altar of American Army Corps headed by General Sun
The Marquis De Pinedo is about been received from other Powers & Dynastic breakdown. It was our friendship." Britain doubtless feels, Tan Ying, another. of Chang Tsung that the Navy Department con- to start on another world flight, regards the security of their sub earnest desire, from motives of self- although she does not complain Chang's subordinate, be immediate siders the situation in China na vid the Atlantic, South America, jects and on the landing of British interest if for no other, that the openly, that American support, the ly sent to Hanan while the 8th Army serious as the orders to hold the Samoa, New Zealand, Australia, troops in the International Sottle Period should be shortened to the financial importance whereof she Corps also under one of Chang Guam marines at Cavite when they Tokyo, Feking Calcutta, Arabia,
utmost.
Italian Somaliland, Durban and In the meantime, we recognises, is too slow to make itself Trung Chang's officers be concen should arrive have been cancelled. ment; whether any attempt had been do and are doing what we could by felt in other spheres.
trated at Pokow, near Nanking, Marine.omcera at Cavite, doubt if Capetown. made to get an agreement with the getting on with the most
await instructions to move South- there are 300 marines on board the Gold Star as stated in press dis Cantonese as regards the security discussing the object of coming to offer to the North and South by
by PEKING ORDERS SURTAX yards.
General Chang Jeen Yin, one of patches. They say that at the time of Eritishers in Shanghai; whether gether, in the hope that when the
COLLECTION.
Marshal Sun's subordinates, is de orders were received by the com. the troops were sent on the request interd enter new friendly and
Anhui, to reinforce General Chan to send the detachment, there were internal struggles were ended
spatching one brigade to Buenchow mandant of the marines at Guam of our representatives in China or contrary to their wishes; and, par-propitious relations with a great
Tao Yuen in his defence against an ticularly, what was the precise posi- and united country with which in
SHANGHAI, Febrú, y 9th,
expected invasion by the Southern tion to day! He appealed to Mr. the past we had been on wholly According to & Chinese telegram forças in South Anhui
announce that if friendly relations and relations of from Shanghai, it was decided at negotiations could be opened, the service to both sides relations a Cabinet meeting at Peking se troops would be diverted, on the which, in view of our position in terday that an order be immediate- ground that the risk to cover Asia and the East, must play a ly issued to instruct the newly which they were sent had been re great and growing part in the peace appointed Inspector General of and prosperity of the whole Eastern Chinese Customs to authorise the moved.
Hemisphere. (Cheers,)
early imposition of the 25 per cent. Labour Amendments,
surtar in all Chetomas Houses, re- gardless of any opposition raised by
ICHANG, February 8th. The Labour Party lodged two foreign merchants. amendmenta, namely on the ques
Martial law has been proclaimed, It was also decided that in and all passing tessels are obliged the tion of China and the Trade Union case the imposition of the surtax to make a stop for military inspec- through existing Customs Houses tion. A large commemoration de The debate was adjourned. The Opposition will move its is impracticable, another plan monstration was held to-day, but —should be adopted and be referred Troops movements on an extensive to the Ministry of Finance and the acale continue Taxation Office.
A strike of houseboys is threaten The opinion was expressed that ed for Thursday,
The officers of the British men- Dr. Wellington Koo has caused the dismissal of Sir Francis Aglen and of war are being granted leave to impossible for the Peking Govern. are only landed on the Bund for the ment to yield to the Diplomatic purpose of exercise. Corpe and reinstate him.
Baldwin to
но referred to the disturbing rumours of a rupture of Anglo- Russian relations and asked whe ther Mr. Baldwin contemplated any change in his Russian policy,
The Prime Minister's Reply. The Premier, Mr. Stanley Bald win, said that every foreign com-
Bill
[NAVY WIRELESS.] ON THE YANGTSZE. TROOP. MOVEMENTS CONTINUE.
not 300 marines on the island. However, it is possible that the Gaam detachment was reinforced by the detachment that left Manila last month on the Huron, former flagship of, the. Asiatic Fleet
MORE FOREIGNERS LEAVING.
[NAVY WIRELESS.]
CHUNOKINO, February 8th. More misionaries have come from interior, and about eighty will leave down river on Thursday..
LONDON, February 8th. The State has abandoned the prosecution of William Forde and Patrick Downing in connection with the Drum Cologher cinema fire. It was stated that the object of the prosecution had been attain. ed by the warning publicly given through the steps taken.
[Forty-seven lives were lost in the cinema fire at Drumcollogber, The fire in County Limerick. started in the operator's box, close
WORK FOR BRITISH SHIPYARDS.
SIX OIL TANK SHIPS FOR U.S.A.
BRITISH WIRELESS SERVICE}
Rugay, Februarý 9th.
In face of strong competition.
from Continental shipbuilder
British firms have secured orders, for six oil tank vessels for the Oil the Refining Company of Pittsburg, The United States of America. total value of the contracts is about; one million pounde
AMERICAN RAIL SPECULATION
ERRATIC PRICES AND INTER- VENTION POSSIBLE.
[REUTER'S AMERICAN SERVICE]
NEW YORK, Feb. th
munity in Shanghai had made it amendment to the Address to China Probably through banking circles there was no untoward incident. EXECUTIONS AT KIURIANO. to tao. only exit. The Coroner's Traders short of. Wheeling and"
quite clear that evacuation in case
on Thursday, when Sir Austen of danger was out of the question, Chamberlain will make an exhaus and until we were clear that the tive statement. neighbourhood of Shanghai would A full debate will follow. not be the fighting ground of the The House of Lords sdopted the national forces of China it could Address and will debate China to
KIUKIANG, February 8th jury found that the fire was caused Lake Erie Railroad stock and hop There was considerable excite by a lighted candle falling on ex-ing for relief when the market open- ment in Kiukiang to-day crowds posed films. The jury found the ed were grieviously disappointed to running down the Bund. Two operator guilty of negligence in find stock open and ten paints platoons of bluejackets were landed leaving the films exposed, and held higher. Shares later changed hands from the ships to investigate the that there was carelessness on the at 130 which is a rise of over 100 in there had been a public execution lighted candle on the table. Fordo to 100 on reports that the Stock of Northern spies, and the platoons was the owner and Downing the Exchange board was contemplating were" withdrawn without incident lessee of the cinema.]:
intervention
not be said that the danger tomorrow, on the motion of Long-in order to "save face it was visit the Concession, but ratings cause. It was ascertained that part of the promoter in leaving a la' few weeks The stock later aågged":
Europeans and Japanese in Shang Parmoor. (Labour.) hai had passed.
(Continued on page's)..
(Contiqued on next column.)
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