The Archive · 1923

Russia Refugees in Manchuria

Returning Home after Being Cared for by Chinese Some very interesting details were related with reference to the Russian refugee problem in Manchuria by the head of the relief work in that province, Mr. Morgan Palmer, in an interview with a representative of the "North-China Daily News" last Friday afternoon Mr. Morgan Palmer has been here for a few days conferring with the China Central Committee.

The people in Shanghaj have no clear idea of the situation there, and although the problem here is grave, how much more must it be ~in Kirin, for instance, where there were only four foreigners prior ta the arrival of the refugees in bands of 400 or 500 men, women and chiid-yen? Mr. Palmer told of the heroic work of Dr. Greig and the cthers, who dispensed medicines, built temporary hospitals, gave out food and clothing to the sufferers,—only their valiant work preventing typhus and other diseases from decimating the homeless folk. Mr. Palmer, however, says that the greatest of credit must be given to the Chinese, who, themselves so often recipients of charity at times of stress in various portions of their country, have come forward nobly in this emergency. The provincial official repaired old barracks, provided stoves, fuel, wooden, beds and made them as comfortable as possible. Under the direction of the American Ked Cross representative the Chinese established soup kitchens for which have since been substited an allowance of five cents per person per day—officers and their wives receiving twice that figure—with a definite portion of bread daily. The officials are reported to have spent at least $200,000 and are dis-pansing in addition more than a ton of bread each day. In Tsitsihar and other stations similar work is being carried on, well heated barracks, flood, soup or daily rations sufficient to stay the pangs of hunger being provided.

Conditions are such on the plains that work cannot be provided for even a minute minority of these unfortunates, though their ery is general in this respect, Mr. Palmer told of the desires of many to be sent back to Russia and said that steps were being taken to transport as many as could be. The Chinese higher officials have investigated under what conditions these soldiers may return and find that the Red army is willing to receive them -—as a matter of fact a group of 260 officers have already recrossed the border of Heilungkiang and been enrolled into the regiments of their former enemies, and it is believed that they are not subjected to persecution because of their earlier relations. Others hearing of the satisfactory conditions these have established with the Chita gov-

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