We have discussed the Chinese situation in a leading article,
but here we must mention the latest events which have been reported since that article was written. The Northerners, having reached Pukow, on the Yangtze, have been shelling Nanking on the opposite shore. British ships of war have been ordered to Nanking to protect foreigners. The main part of the Southern armies engaged are falling back on Shanghai. Thus the foreigners in Shanghai are suddenly once more in the position of having to defend themselves. There is no greater danger than a demoralized retreating army. General Duncan has ordered the British troops back to their advanced posts round the International Settlement. He has also cut the Shanghai-Hangchow railway. This last act, though it will delay the sudden falling back on the city of an armed rabble, had for its immediate cause the refusal of the local Chinese soldiers to return the wings of a British aeroplane which they had seized after the aeroplane had descended through engine trouble.
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