Soviet Frontier Fortifications Strengthened fom Our OWN ConsestonnENe Harbin, Feb. 24.
Passengers who have arrived from Europe state that there were fifteen German engineers on the train from Moscow, who openly stated that they had' been engaged by the Soviet government for the purpose of constructing fortifications and strengthening the frontier on both sides of Manchuria. Some of these men were on their way Vladivostok and some to Habarovsk, lat which points they were to receive their instructions, All the way across Siberia, troops were to be seen travelling east, ax well aeroplanes and artillery loaded Jon open trucks. The number of troops already arrived at Vladivostok is reported to be about 150,000 with some 500 motor trucks for convey-lance by road.
The Soviet papers all state that the U.S.S.R. has no intention of ab-tacking anyone, but the aggressive attitude of the While Russians in Manchuria, who declare that Japan will help them to get back Russia, is making it necessary for the Soviet Republic to get ready for any emjergency. If Soviet property or Ind actually in danger then the U.S.S.R, must act, though at present there is no sign of this, the Japanese Jcommanders having even stated that fehey have no wish to quarrel with [the Soviet, The serious condition of the east line of the Chinese Eastern
Imay be cut off from Harbin by the and the possibility that it JOld Kirin troops, may possibly cause Soviet soldiers to, croes border to protect the Prthls ete should be no obyecton Jas the Soviet surely have a3. much right to protect their property and citizens as the Japanese, but it might result in complications which would not be pleasant, In Harbin there is nothing to be earned about any troop movements in Russia, and the members of th railway staff keep their sel, not giving a single hint of their opinion on the present situation, Shanghai is at present attracting all the attention of the world, bug 4 wil not be long before Manchuria will be in the limelight again, as matters are far from settled, there being thousands of men roaming lover the country who will continue make trouble for a long time to DISCHARGED C.E.R,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.