Evening star., 1927-04-25


ing all officials in the Shanghai dis
trict who were appointed by the Han
kow regime. The finance minister,
who was sent here from HankoW 10
take charge of the large revenues OF
this port and province, is unable to
function and is virtually a prisoner,
living in the French concession, while
an appofntee of Gen. Chang handles
the funds.
Although these moves show posi-
lively that Gen. Chang has burned
the bridges between himself and
Hankow, thereby opening the way
for return to politics of many we'll
known leaders who retired two years
ago when Radicals seized the kuo-
mintang organization at Canton, ne
is having difficulty in filling his cabl-
net. If enough of these former lead
ers can be persuaded to return to ac-
tivity, the Nationalist movement will
take a long step toward sanity.
Among those who may come back to
influence are men like c. c. WI, G. L.
Wang, Tsai Ting-Kan and Wang
Chung Hui.
Tension Greatly Eased.
The tension at Shanghai is greatly
eased because of the effect of the
Kuomintang split which has made 1t
improbable that attacks will be made
on foreign concessions. 1t now is also
probable that Gen. Chang's announced
policy of trying to recover these con-
cessions only by negotiations will be
pursued, opening the way TO peace
full compromises.
Most foreigners here believe Gen.
Chang is sincere in his expressed in
tention of suppressing disorderly ele-
ments and the forcing of the Com
munist element from the Kuomintang.
This puts a new aspect to the S1tua-
ton regarding the demand of the pow
ers concerning the Nanking outrages.
There is some doubt now as to
where to address further notes
whether to Nanking or Hankow. The
feeling grows that the powers should
distinguish between the regime of
Gen. Chang and the radical kuonin.
tang left wing now controlling the
Hankow region. 1t also is thought
that it would be unwise to press Gen.
Chanf. at this critical juncture as it
might prejudice his chance of forming
a moderate government, thereby hurt
ing foreign interests.
Would Back Chang.
Some foreigners here advocate for
eign financial aid to him so that he
can become stabilized in the eastern
Yangtse provinces. letting Hankow
alone for the time being. 1t is under
stood that private meeting was held
yesterday of leading Chinese and for
eign bankers at which this matter
was discussed.
All stable Chinese classes strongly
support Gen. Chang, believing it to
.I1n Nf h
the radicals and restoring the Ma
tionalist movement to a sound do
mestic and foreign policy. This view
was urged upon the foreign bankers,
and they We're asked to use their in
fuence with local authorities and for
eign governments to prevent actions
causing further excitement and re-
sentiment among the Chinese and al
lowing present unrest to subside. The
bankers adjourned without decisive
action, but many foreigners think the
powers may be wise in taking their
time.
The Japanese financial crisis and
the overthrow of the cabinet excuses
slight delay, during which the
Hankcw regime, now threatened from
two sides, may collapse. Observers
here are inclined to believe the as
semblv of nearly so foreign warships
at Hankow is intended to help Gen.
Chang obliquely by menacing the
Hankow regime and hampering its
finances, military movements and
morale, thereby causing moderate
Chinese throughout central China,
who are believed anxious to restore
normalcy, to withdraw support.
Different Aspect Evidenced.
Ff.f.- t. fl.y
designed to support the note which
is pending, but late events give diff
ferent aspect.
The new turn of events revises talk
of possible truce between Gen. Chang
and Marshal Chang Tso Lin of Man
churia, but there is still room for
| speculation.
An irritating condition is caused
| by almost continual firing between the
| forts of the lower Yangtze and passing
| foreign warships. These forts, which
| constitute the major defenses of the
| YangtZe, apparently are manned part
| ly by Northern troops and partly by
| Cantonese not yet under Gen Chang s
! control Their officers seem to think
war exists between China and the
| powers.
Too much importance should not
! be given such incidents.
Business Life Resumes.
The easing of the situation at Shang-
| hal is shown by the opening of all big
| Chinese stores, illumination Of the
great white way, and the outwardly
normal aspect of the city except for
such martial exhibitions as soldiers
and barbed wire barricades in the
streets. The exodus of foreigners also
slackens, showing returning conf
| dence.
The general strike Is slowly dying
and r1any factories are resuming the
majority Of their shipping. Laborers
are returning to work. Refugee mis-
sonaries already are wanting to re
turn to their stations in nearby prov
inces, but their consuls strongly ad
wise against it.
One section OF foreigners here is dis
pleased at the latest turn of the situa
tion, which they fear will delay and
possibly prevent Intervention. Inter
ventiOnists want peremtory action on
the kanking incident, realizing that
delay permits inflamed feelings to cool
and lessons chance OF strong punitive
action. On the other hand, persons
opposed to Intervention welcome any
thing opening the way to pacific set
tlement.
Copyright. 1927