Vice-Admiral Sir Percy Noble, the new Commander-in-Chief of the British China Fleet in succession to Admiral Sir Charles Little, arrives in Shanghai to-day in H.M.S. Cumberland to pay his first visit to the city which has received more public reference in recent months than any other eily in the world. Shanghai will extend him a hearty welcome for the events Which obtained for Shanghai this reference have also emphasized the debt which the British communities in China owe to HM. Navy for the services rendered during this period. When fighting was at its highest and public confidence at its lowest, the Navy stood by as an encouraging symbol," undertaking the gigantic: task of evacuation and, at the same time, offering the measure of protection along the China coast and onthe inland waterways which enabled British business activities and residence to con-ie during unparalleled times. Of course, there is always the belief that the Navy knows its Job and does it, which gives its presence in this part of the world a matter-of-fact justtleation without any trimming or embroidery, but members of the British communities will agree that the circumstances of the past few months have altered this conception of the functions of H, M. Navy—if they ever were conceived in this manner—and there is a gratitude and affection which transcends the erstwhile routine of duty. It Is in. this spirit that the British community of Shanghai to-day welcomes Vice-Admiral Sir Perey Noble.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.