1927-04-05 — Page 5

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SITUATION IN CANTON.

PROTECTION OF FOREIGNERS.

OFFICIAL NOTICE

NO PARADES ON THE

WEST BUND.

Owing to the disturbed conditiona throughout China there is, natur-

A group of Chinese merchants at Naming, Kwangsi, calling them- selves the Merchants" League of Nanning City," a branch of the Communists Party, has issued a manifesto stopping the entrance of British goods into that port. In the absence of a responsible gover meat a group of "Red" merchants Basociating themselves with coolies loading ships, can easily cause serious interruption to trade

It is reported in Kus:nintang circles in Canton that the Chinese "Heds" in Mexico have advised the Mexican Government in Mexico City that the present Chinese Lega- tion there does not represent China and what the present negotiations for a new treaty between the two countries should be undertaken by

THE HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, TUESDAY, APRIL 5th, 1927.

EUGENE CHEN SURPRISED!

FOREIGN ANXIETY AT CANTON!

AMERICAN CONSUL'S FRANK REPLY

دا

FULL TEXT" OF LETTERS.

The British Acting Consul Gen

C.N.C. OFFICERS.

THE REDUCTION IN WAGES.

COMPANY'S STATEMENT.

THE SEAMEN'S UNION.

THEIR LATEST DEMANDS.

THE QUESTION OF A SOCIAL

ROOM.

AJ announced yesterday the officers and engineers of the China Navigation Company decided to accept, under protest, the reduction of ten per cent. in their wages time past that a roum-described from April 1st.

י

1

As is well known the Senmen's Union have been agitating for some

generally as a social room-should be placed at the disposal of the crew on each of the Hong Kong The and Canton river steamera.

The seasons for the reduction are outlined in the following statement published by the Company in the North China Daily News. statement was made in reply to the protest previously published by the Secretary of the Marine Engineers Guild & Asing Secretary of the

Such

eral. Canton, has forwarded to us the following letter from the Can- ten Ministry for Foreign Affairs signed by Mr. Eugene Chen, and the American Consul's reply as Senior Foreign Consul. In the former surprise is expressed that foreigners living in Canton should "have suddenly become alarmed without reason," and assurances are made that no anti-foreign feeling is "Since July 1925 the China! the Mexican Government and then that the Commander-in-Navigation Company's services have desired that the British Companies.

Chief of the Revolutionary Army has been specialty instructed to protect foreigners.

Chinese Nationalists of Canton, and not with the Chinese ruilitarists of Poking.

ally. a certain amount of anxiety regarding the safety of foreigners to Kwangtung The City of Canton us quiet on the surface, but there have Leen rumours of parades and hostile demonstrations which have created uneasiness, This perhaps may be

A labour conference is to be held partially layed by the following:

by the "Red" workers throughout the communication issued by

China nt Harkow on May 1st next Canton Information Burray. It is Canton is preparing to send a large delegation, probably one delegate dated April 4th and reads: -

Next to for every 3,000 workers. Canton, Harkow is the largest organized labour city. It clairis to have 21,000 organized workers.

At its last meeting the Execu tive Provincial Government call- ed public attention to the duty of protection of foreign nation- als life and property issued instructions to respon sible authorities to act accord- ingly.

and

A notification has been issued by the Chief" of the Public Safety Bureau, warning "against impetuous neta.

From an authoritative source it is learned that any demon- strations or parades would not pass along the West Bund to with avoid misunderstanding foreigners.

The American Consul and Senior Consul at Canton, in acknowledging receipt of the despatch from the Nationalist Foreign Ministry of the 31st of Mares, respecting the measures taken by the Nationalist Gov- ernment to protect the lives and property of foreigners withi the territory under its control, thanked the Nationalist Govern ment for the assurances given, announcing that the above-men- tioned despatch had been given

view" to: to the Press with a informing our respective nation- als of the happy saurances Contained in your despatch."-- Canton Information Burean

PROPAGANDA. [FROM A SHAMEEN COLLLESPONDENT. ] CANTON, April 3rd... While I am writing a procession of about 31 motor-cars, with crac- kers heing fred, has dashed along Notices in Shaki at full speed. Chinese were scattered in all direc tions and went to the Bridge over the creek and asked a praser by to give me one. The notices were of the usual kind, comprising daun ciations of the Imperialists and all the well-known, slogans.

we

pre

These agitators know well-prepared for any devilmont They -they may try to "engineer.

flook towards Shameen in great numbers and, as they have eyes, they can see that we are well able to defend ourselves from a mob. No trouble is anticipated here and in Chinese oficial circles there is certainly a sincere desire to prevent any untoward incident."

To let the public know what is heing done by the Municipality of Canton, the Municipal Council is thinking of issuing a daily, instead of a weekly gazette. It will give in fuller detail the work accony lished by each department of the uni cipality. The Cantos Municipal Executive Council is now comprised of young men graduated from West- era colleges and schools, having made a special study of municipal administration.

some

In view of the expected "Red" and anti-Red struggles and the possibility of an anti-foreign out- burst the exodus of foreigners, from interior towns, begun several weeks ago, has been completed; and many Missionaries and others left Canton on Monday, including residents of

and Tingshan, Fongtsued,

the suburbs of Canton City.

Labour unions made very little response in support of the "anti- Imperialist" demonstration

WC3 ranged for yesterday and it decided at the eleventh hour call it off. The demonstration was te have protested against the bont bardment at Nanking. April 12th has been named as a possible date but it is generally thought that the demonstration will be quietly aban- doned,

"MODERATE" UNİONS' DEMANDS.

in

a result of

Serious disputes resulting violence and bloodshed are feared! in Carton and vicinity, unless the Kuomintang leaders in the city make up their minus to deal Armby with a situation which is daily.be

and more difficult. comug more The railway and general mechanics may, it is feared, repeat the strug- gic of three months ago in which lives

lost. were

The Canton Alechanics' Union is a very power- the ful organization, controlling water works, electric power, and certain section of the roachine shop. workers in the city, including the This Union radway workshops.. has never been pronouncedly "Red" and the extremists, much propaganda and persuasion, some months, ngo succeeded in alienating a section of the Union members. A fracas took place early in the New Year, in which a num her of the Mechanics' Union mem- bers were killed. The Union ap pealed to the. Kuomintang Court, but the Kuomintang was under

influence, "Red"

and nothing Now that the done. could be "Reds' " power in Ceaten bis waned the Union is again asking for justice on behalf of members months ago. The kiled three mechanics are, threatening to strike if their demands are not granted and if they come out there will be no water or electric light, and probably all railways in the district have to suspend operations.

GREETINGS TO HANKOW. FROM OUR CHINESE COLEESPONDENT.] The Hankow, or "Red" faction, of the Kuomintang Central Excer tive Committee, is not without its following in Canton, although in the opinion of many the City is becom. The other day, ing moderate." ten leading labour organizations in South China, including the Canton

The Mechanics' Union helped the Hong Kong Strike Committee, the

Kuomintang to oust the mercenary Hong Kong General Chinese Labour troops who forcibly controlled Dr. Federation, and others, wired their San Yat Sen and his followers at one time, but amid the successes of greetings to the Hankow new ro

the Kuomintang and the rise of gime,, pledging their support and other influences in Canton, the ser co-operation. Except for the com-vices of these moderate and patrio- paratively few well-known "anti-tie workmen were forgotten.

Red" labour unions in Canton City, AGITATED BY BRITISH practically all the other workers'' organisations are "Beds"

"MISDEEDS."

The recent action against the By a recent order of the Kuomin-Chinese General Labour Federatica tang Administration in the Southernia Hong Kong and the British Capital, the duty of piracy suppres punitive expedition against the sion and the trial of bandits is to pirates in Bins Bay are still the "Red" chief topics agitating be left in the hands of the General circles in Canton.

Commanding the Representatives of Hong Kong Headquarters Troops in Kwangtung. This ordor Chinese workers have been visiting is issued it is thought as a result Canton daily since Saturday to dis

cuas the situation.

of the recent British naval raid on Bies Bay.

In the mean- time. reports have always been sect] to Hankow,

The American Consul-General, in his reply, points out that recent events in Nanking and elsewhere and anti-foreign and anti-Christian propaganda have contributed to the anxiety of foreigners in Nationalist controlled territory, and further expresses a hope that the present propaganda policy will be altered.

The letters are as follow:-

Alarmed Without Reason, Translation of circular letter to al Consular Representatives from the Acting Minister for Foreign

Affairs:

BWATE

In

Canton, March 31st, 1027 Sia, I have the honour to inform you that I learn that Canton foreigners residing have suddenly become alarmed without reason fearing an anti- foreign

not movement,

being fact of the

that the Nationalist Government has al- ready issued proclamations that foreigners lives and property must be given elective protection. Moreover Chinese have in the past been friendly and have had Eo anti-foreign sentiments and still less is there any anti- foreign movement, so that for eigners are now taking alarm in most surprising way without reason. It would appear either that they lightly listen rumours or that those opposed to our Government are fabricating reports from which this alarm arises.

R

to

I have therefore not only re quested the Provincial Govern ment and the Commander-in- Chief of the Revolutionary Army to pay special attention to their protection but have sent urgent telegrams to all the district officials effectively to protect fer- eigners. I have the honour, there fore, to request, as a matter of importance, that you will notify your nationals of the above and instruct them not again to worry and become alarmed. The favour of a reply is requested. I have, etc.,

Cost Officers "Guild.

rooms, it is understood, hav! re- uitly been provided on the Tung us and the Sui On, boats operated by Chinese Companies, and it is

been seriously and constantly dis-should follow this example. As far Beated and curtailed by disturbed a the British Companies are cyp-. political conditions. At the pre-

sent

time, all China Navigation cerned the matter has been left in have ceased running: carryings to

a doubt regarding the purpose for mpany steamers above Hankow abeyance because there seemed to be Swatow and Canton after complete stoppage for close on a year and a which the room would be used. The half were started again in October men say they want it as a kind 1928; but the steamers have been of club room and for rest and running with reduced cargo, and at Swatow there is still boycott recreation only, but on the other preventing resumption of charter- hand it has been suggested that it ing trades, which form an import would be used primarily for pro- ant part of the Company's regular paganda purposes and as a centre services. Those conditions which where meetings might be held. have affected steamers based on Under Government regulations auch Shanghai have also seriously affect dieetings would be illegal. ed the Company's southern fleet based on Hong Kong.

"On September 15th, 1928, the Company circulated the foreign officers as follows:

The Company have now carried a full scale of pay for over a year in the face of unparalleled poli- tical disturbances and dislocation of their services.

Last week it will be recalled the crew of the Kinchan left the vessel: in Canton at a moment's notice, just as it was due to depart, be cause this matter had not been de- cided, and the vessel had to be brought back to Hong Kong by British naval ratings. Since then the Kinshus has gone to dock for annual overhaul but the other. have been running us steamers

Owing to the continuance of these conditions and the pro- usual. 'onged boycott of British ship- Yesterday, the whole subject was ing at Canton and Swatow, the earefully considered by the repre Company have decided with re-sentatives of the British Companies gret, and after most careful con-in Hong Kong and various pro- sideration, that the time has come posals were formulated which will when the reduction in pay advis- be handed, to the Seamen's Union

in the enclosed circular must in Canton to-day. be made.

ed

If these proposals are not accept.

t will apply to all membersed there will presumably be an im of the European staff of the Commediate strike affecting all the pany, including those serving un- British river, boats, but judging der Agreement at three months' from the news received from Canton' notice

which such a development is not expect- of termination; notice is hereby given. It is not, ed Our Chinese correspondent in- however, the intention that this forms us that according to infor notification shall affect their ser pintion in Chinese shipping cireles vices with the Company except as in Canton the trouble will be avert regards the reduction in pay.

ed."

the

The Company hope that all concerned will realise the neces sity for this decision. It has been postponed for as long as possible in the hope that

im political situation would prove, but the prospects tinue so indefinite that further delay is not justified.

сол-

Company's Attitude.

The Company throughout have been anxious to maintain the stan dard of pay and with that object the reduction has been postponed for considerably longer than results have justified; it was only after the most careful and full consideration that the following circular letter was issued on, March 22nd (which

"Prior to this, the Company arranged an interview with the Shanghai and Hong Kong secre (Sd.) EUGENE CHEN,

taries of the Marine Engineers' and Acting Minister for Foreign

Chian Coast Officers Guilds. This was the date stated in the Com Affairs.

was held in Shanghai on September Pany's circular cf December 2nd,

1026) "The Honour to Thank You!"

11th, when the position was ex- Canton, April 2ad, 1927. plained and the Guild secretaries were confidentially informed as to Honorable Chen Yu Jen,

Acting Minister of Foreign the heavy losses sustained by the

Affairs, Canton.

Company; they were also informed Sin. On behalf of myself and that if before January 1st, 1927, my colleagues (the Consular Re Canton and Swatew presentatives of Japan, France, satisfactorily re-opened, and no Great Britain, Portugal and other key ports such as Hankow or and Dermark), I have, the honor Shanghai, had been closed, and to acknowledge the receipt of normal trading by the Company's your despatch of March 31st, 1927, services had been resumed, the re- respecting the intention of the duction in pay would not be put Nationalist Government to pre-into effect on that date. tect the lives and property of

Postponement.

had

been

foreignora within the territory On December 22nd, 1926, the Company have not been running at

following issued:

circular letter With reference to our letter dated September 18th, Canton and Swatow have since re-opened to trade, and in view of the political situation being thereby modified, the Company have decided not to put into effect the reduction to pay notified in the circular dated September 15th on January 1st.

The situation is, however, still very uncertain, and normal trad. ing has not been resumed. will therefore be necessary for the Company to reconsider the posi- tion in three months' time, that is on March 22nd.

under its control. You refer to reports of anxiety amongst for eign residents and express 817- prise that there should be any Chinese uneasiness because the people have been friendly and have not in the past had any anti-foreign sentiments, not to mention an nati-foreign move- meat. You express the opinion that these reports are fabrications

from sources originating friendly to your Government.

On behalf of my colleagues and myself, I have the honor to thank you for these neauranoca, of the safety of the lives and property of our respective natitonala It is quite true that there has been,

On January, 1927, trade at considerable anxiety and still is, among foreign residenta. Recent Hankow was entirely held up on at Nanking and other account of political disturbances in-

It

Referring to the Company's letter, dated December 2nd, last we regret that present conditions make the reduction of 10 per cent. in pay necessary and this will be put into effect from April 1st. "The necessity for this redaction was confirmed on March 19th, the circulare were printed on March 21st and issued on March 22nd, on which date letters were also sent to the secretaries of the two Guilds.

Serious Loskes. "The coasting vessels of the Both inward and full pressure. outward cargoes and the fleet as a whole have to be considered nor can the serious situation in the Yang- taze area be ignored. In addition to the serious losses up to the end of last year, further heavy losses have since been incurred "notwith- standing such increases in freight rates as have been unde, but which cannot be effective when trade is suspended. Seven of the Company's Bix upper river coasters and steamers have been out of commis- sign since June and October 1926 respectively. Others have been

lack up for varying perioda due of employment. In view of the situation, the Company have dis posed of three steamers for break- ing up and two more are now being Wages of Chinese, with the disorders in Fukien, and river and Hunan services.

"The Guilda.. refer to the fact attacks on missionary establish- tain steamers were placed under re- ments in Canton, Kyeilin, Fachow quisition for essential services such that the wages of the Chinese staff evacuation and the remainder of of the China Navigation Company and elsewhere, have tended,

have been dncreased and that the without reason, to create s feel the Yangtaze floet was laid up.

of grave apprehension. The curtailed service was started on Company have received further de

of

the lower river at the end of mands of increases. extent and bitterness anti- foreign and anti-Christian pro- February, but with all lower river paganda have also contributed to ports except Hankew closed trade the anxiety of foreigners in the is again seriously restricted and territory under the control of the disturbed conditions still prevent Nationalist Government.

resumption of the normal schedules, My colleagues and I feel it to The middle, upper river and Hunan be our duty to draw these facts services are completely suspended. to your attention in the hope and anticipation that in view of the determination of your Govern- ment to insure the protection of foreigners, measures will be take to control the present propaganda movement and direct it along lines mare in accord with the spirit of international good will. We veature to express the opinion that this would go a long way towards alleviating the very grave dangers now undoubtedly exist ing in the present situation. (Continued at foot of next column).

events

ports on the Yangtaze, together volving all the middle, upper Cer

ing

Dot

0.3

[Continued on next column).

A

sold.

4:

"We would state that the Com paay give full consideration to the question of pay in all branches of the service, but different factors exist which have to be considered and dealt with according to cir cumstances

The bridges of the Company's vessels on the Yangtaze run are pro- tected with iron plates (in the case of the Upper Yangtaze steamers With a view to informing our with armour plate) and in addition respective nationals of the happy areas available to passengers and contained in your ship's staff are also protected with despatch under acknowledgment, iron plates.

assurances

my colleagues and I are taking The Company appreciate the the opportunity of giving this difficult times now existing includ- correspondence to the press-Iing the risks of piracy and indis have the boner to be, Bir,-Your | criminate fring on ships They obedient servant,

DOUGLAS JESKINS, American Consul General. and Senior Consul.

also appreciate the spirit in which these risks are met by the officers and engineers and regret the neces Bity for the reduction.

•

Wm. POWELL, Ltd.

THE REORGANING OF OUR FURNI- TURE DEPARTMENT NECESSITATES, THE CLEARANCE OF THE EXISTING STOCK

OF "FURNITURE MODELS,” COMPRISING

BED ROOM SUITES

DINING ROOM SUITES

DRAWING ROOM

CHAIRS and OCCASIONAL TABLESTM

OFFICE

FURNITURE

TO BE CLEARED

REGARDLess of COST

NO REASONABLE OFFER REFUSED.

Drink more good milk

AND

because Milk must not

only be good but THE BEST

insist, when buying, on BEAR BRAND

On Sale Everywhere.

SOLE AGENTS :

A. B. MOULDER & CO.

H.M.S. PIANOFORE

TAKE A BOOK OF WORDS

TO

WITH YOU

THE OPERA

ON SALE AT

ANDERSON'S.

ASK FOR MO SHEUNG CIGARETTES.

They have rapidly come into favour with discriminating

smokers

owing to their delightful flavour and aroma.

Only well-matared Virginian tobacco, used, On sale at all tobacconists.

NANYANH, BROS, TOBACCO Co.

2153

[AP]