26 APRIL 1930, Page 2

Wei-hai-wei Great Britain has signed an Agreement for the voluntary

restoration of Wei-hai-wei to China. This port, once a symbol of the struggle for the balance of power, has had little naval value since the Treaty of Washington stereo- typed the situation in Chinese waters. It would have been restored some years ago if there had been a more settled Government in China. The restoration is one of the various signs of good will which Great Britain has made towards China. It can hardly be expected that the local Chinese, who have learned to rely upon the protection of the British flag, will, as property owners, be glad of the change, though they may possibly applaud it as patriots.