5 MAY 1928, Page 2

An important new fact is the appearance *Of Japanese troops

in Shantung. At present they nifinber about 1,600,- and both Northerners and Southerners have protested against the incursion. The Southerners, in particular, complain that their advance is being blocked. That may be a convenient excuse for disappointments due to other causes. In any case, it seems that the Japanese are thinking of repairing the cut railway between Tsingtao and Tsinanfu—a railway which would be more valuable to the North than to the South. In that event the Southerners would say that the Japanese were actively, helping the North. The declaration of the Japanese Government is, however, explicit that it has sent the troops to protect the life and property of the many Japanese in Shantung.