As long ago as July the League of Nations promised to lend its good offices on behalf of the Russian Refugees in - Dino, Since then, as far as I am aware, no more news has come through. The tag we used to bandy about at school seems applicable tv the situation "big bodies move sinwly" Notwithstanding the silence I am optimistic enough to think that before long something will begin to happen. Considering the state of Europe it is little to be wondered at if the Far East is a little "de trap" at present.
If it is any comfort to the long suffering Russian exiles to hear it, let mo assure them that I know for certain that communications are passing between the Chinese Foreign office and the League.
There are only about 200 refugees left in our city now. This is a big difference from 5,000 six months ago. T think I am right in saying that the greater number of these 5,000 have returned: to Russia, but very many have gone to other parts of Manchuria and China. Those who remain here have nearly all got employment. Very little news has come through from the repatriated. From Chita letters come constantly, but not from beyond. This causes anxiety and gives some_ groun for suspicion that all is not well.
There is a good deal of feeling here at present over the murders of Chinese labourers in Japan. A Chinese student from this Province named Wang Hsi-tion, who has been eight years in Japan, has recently disappeared. For some time he has been active im keeping Chinese workmen in Japan. When they were il\-treated or falsely acoused of conspiring with Koreans against the Japanese Government he befriended them. By such benevolent work he has become a hero in the eyes of his fellow provincials. Last month he was reported missing and foul play is suspected. The Japanese Government admits that- he was -arrested but asserts that as he wag found: not guilty he was set. liberty. Such is the story as it is told locally. Pamphlets with this story are being distributed by school boys in the streets, and public meetings are being held to demand investigation and reparation. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Wellington Koo, has been telegraphed to and requested to press the matter upon the' Japanese.
News has reached. Hongkong by: letter from Nanning of the death: of Mr. J. L. McDowell, Postal Commissioner for Kuangsi. - Mr, McDowall died at Nanning on the 28rd ultimo,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.