THE COMMUNIST CONSPIRACIES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 6, 4 December 1926, Page 8

THE COMMUNIST CONSPIRACIES.

Zinovieff, who precipitated the crisis which brought about the General Election in Great Britain in 1924 as the result oi his infamous letter, which aroused such a storm of indignation on the part of the British public, addressed letters to leading Communists in China in 1920’, congratulating them upon the success of their work and remitting 85,000 dollars for carrying on their propaganda. After the strikes of Chinese workers in the Japanese mills he placed five million gold roubles at the disposal of the same people for the furtherance of the cause in China. The chaotic conditions arising out of the ambitions of the rival War Lords of China have naturally been of assistance to the Communists in their designs upon the foreigners and the wealthier class of Chinese. It is greatly to be deplored that the Powers especially interested in China were unable to effect any alteration of the Treaties which the Chinese found objectionable, if not humiliating, after the Tariff Conference met at Pekin. That was due to there being no authoritative Chinese government. It is still more unfortunate that there is a policy of drift on the part of the Powers, only tempered by bursts of action here and there where it is necessary to protect foreign subjects from the violence of Chinese bandits and looters. It may be, of course, regarded as an indication that no one Power is anxious to take China at a disadvantage, and compel her to pay the forfeits which in the past the weak have too often been compelled to pay to the strong. The three Powers which mig-ht possibly control the situation and bring, about a better understanding between the Chinese and themselves are Japan, America and Great Britain. The Japanese have shown no, inclination to work in conjunction with the British, except under such conditions as we referred to the other day, one being the abandonment by the British Government of the Singapore Base proposals; America has again announced her determination to hold aloof from all other Powers, but promises that she will adopt such measures as will protect her own nationals in China. Britain, with far greater interests at stake, is consequently thrown very much on her own resources. That probably plays directly into the hands of the Communists. With a united front the Powers might possibly restore the harmony in China, difficult as that task seems likely to prove. In the face of the common danger sensibly minded men will agree that unity of action is not only desirable, but essential. The menace of Communism, spreading from Russia to Siberia, invading Japan, sweeping through China and descending into Java is very real. It may not seem of any great moment to Australians and New Zealanders,-although, in the Commonwealth, the Communists form a very dangerous element and have practically dictated the policy pursued by Mr Lang and his associates in New Soiitli Wales. In New Zealand the Communists are a negligible force, but they are persistent and we need to be on our guard against them.