Evening star., 1927-05-16

powers should be unwilling to take
similar action regarding Shanghai.
The feeling grows among Thought
full foreigners that the presence of
troops here possibly viii work out
favorably by offsetting the risk attend
ing a change of status in the settle
ment. 1t is considered better to pro-
ceed with conferences now than to
continue an uncompromiSing attitude
which must be abandoned whenever
the home governments decided to with
draw the troops, leaving the foreign
position weaker than ever before.
Most interest is felt in the coming
to Shanghai of the British Minister
Lampson, Lii Yuanhung, who was for
merly President of China, and other
prominent Chinese political figures.
fractional leaders are gathering here
from all parts Of the country, caus-
ing the belief that some kind Of ma
tional Chinese conference is pending.
Chinese newspapers give promi-
nence to a report that Gen. Ii Mint
sung. representing Marshall Feng
Yuh Slang, visited Gen. Chang Kai
Shek at Marking and has arrived at
Shanghai for the purpose of consult.
ing other Kuomintang leaders. Gen.
Chang is expected here next week.
Direction From Peking Futile.
These events and the entire roliti-
cal trend in China indicate the fulfil
ity of trying to direct the policies of
the powers on China from the lega-
ton quarter at Peking. The British
government evidently realizes this
and is sending Lampson to Shanghai,
where he can have contacts with the
n+s -. Ill - H.
situation.
personally think the powers
should either send special commits
sioners to Shanghai to study the situa-
ton and recommend actions to be
taken henceforth, or the ministers of
the principal powers should be ordered
here. Everything shows that Peking
is politically dead and not likely to
regain its former prestige. Diplomats
there are almost as much detached
from the realities of the Chinese af-
fair as some of the capitals.
The presence of senior diplomats In
Shanghai would be certain to have
one good effect. 1t would supercede
the Municipal Council and the local
consular body, and perhaps would
open the way for peaceable solution.
The British community here is
deeply 1nCelSeQ at late u0NGIOpIilctltS
of the British policy and privately ex-
presses the most intense bitterness.
A wag published a notice in a news
paper announcing the sale of the for
eign settlement. Another wag circu.
lated the rumor that Lampson was
coming to Shanghai to hand the set
tlement over to the Chinese. with a
few British warships thrown in for
good measure.
Situation Still Confused.
The Chinese political and military
situation lis still confused. Reports
continue to show that the Hankow
regime Is crumbling. Gen. Chang has
announced that he does not intend to
direct military operations in that di.
rection, preferring to await natural
disintegration. Kuomintang leaders
say privately that this is a good policy
because, while the Right Center Wings
of the party are determined to elimi.
nate the Left Wing Communists, the
latter will destroy themselves soon
and then it will be easier to reunite
the party.
Probably the Nanking regime is
now uncertain Of its strength and
feels need of longer time for organi-
zation and for making clear to Kuo-
mintang elements in all parts of China
and abroad. Meantime Gen. Chang