CHINESE CHAOS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 7, 6 December 1926, Page 2

CHINESE CHAOS.

WAR LORDS" WORRIES. CAN’T DEPEND ON TROOPS. SHANGHAI, Nov. 24. The story of the Tientsin conference, now made public through the disclosures of a Pekin militarist, who attended it, makes sad reading. The recent secret visit of Marshal Sun to Tientsin became necessary owing to his representatives’ failure adequately to place the seriousness of the situation before the conference.

Marshal Sun frankly detailed the position and appealed for immediate aid, which was promptly given, to the extent of 12 Shantung brigades, comprising about 45,000 men. No question of territorial adjustments! as the price of assistance was broached, and the reinforcements are to be used wherever necessary.

A review of the northern "position reveals a deplorable situation. For instance, it was stated at the conference that while Yen Hsi-shan undoubtedly was loyal to the northern alliance, his subordinates were not. W.u Pei-fu does not admit that the position is dangerous, but information' from Fengtien agrees with Fuominchun propaganda statements that his Shensi and Honan troops are prepared to rejoin the second and third Kuominchun armies, leaving Wu nothing except a mere bodyguard. The position of Yang Sen is also obscure, because emissaries from all camps, including the Cantonese, are loudly declaring this chief’s adherence to each and everyone. The legations have been advised from Hankow that a general strike, a replica of that at Canton, is now prepared. Trouble is expected, and extra gunboats will probably spend the winter there.