The question of tariff barriers is, however, not of so great an impor: tance. in view of other reports {ram foreign observers indicating that the Japanese programme: for the development of Jehol involves the linking up of the provincial capital with the resent Peipiao branch line, original-built as a branch line from the Peking-Mukden railway for the deve-Jopment of coal mines served. by Newchwang as a shipping port. They Jehol authorities loping this rail eummunferly direction, and Chinese coolie labour has been re-erupted in North China for the con. struction of the Peipiao-Fenol line, and another small guage line is being pushed out from Jehol in the direc tion of Malanyu. There is no reason to believe that these same labourers will not be available for further development of rail conimusisalions 12 the west of Jehol. linest daily concerning Japanese military activities all along the Jehol-Charhar frontier. Roads are being built, aerodromes' close to the frontier have been laid out, political subversive activities ried on, and it has long been felt her that the Japanese would define their interests in this area in the event their considering that the Chinese si had not fully met all the demands made of them.
'The switch of the political and economic thrust, Is explained by' the Chinese as being partly economic and partly military. They profess to view It a8 being part of the Japanese pre-arations against an eventual war! with Russia. They point out that if the Japanese can in any way assure direct communications with even only a portion of the western areas, they may well afford to do without supplies that would ordinarily" reach Japan through Tientsin, Forelgers who have visited Jehol also declare that the work of consolidation throughout that country, appears to be proceeding along care fully drawn up plans, and whilst obvious that these plans were originally drawn up by the military, they are now being carried out with the ald of civilian experts, and part of the activities in the province have been definitely diverted to the economis and commercial development of the country.
Available Routes to Sehot It was found dificult to discuss matters with the Chinese there. 'Whilst, visitors' movements are unrestricted, there is the surveillance that Is invariably exercised by the: Japanese in any area where these parcular conditions prevail. The journey to Jehol from Peking is not hedged round with any particular dimeulties, but so far no. foreigner known in Peking, has succeeded in making the trip to Jehol and back via the Luan River. There is no question of any. refusal, but there is a constant postponement of the suilable period for making the river trip, and the long deferred departure eventually sends Jobservers back to China or Manchou-feo, by ear or aeroplane.
The river rowe is barred. The prevalence of bands, the nek "of boats, the difficulties attendant on the journey have all been brought up. as excuses against its use, and. foreigners and Chinese alike Believe that there is some deep reason for it. Possibly, it may be that the Japanese authorities wish to keep constant track of foreign visitors to this newly developed and acquired Province. This can only be done by Keeping them to the well defined roads that are only served by Japanese cars and trucks, or to. the alr routes from Jehol back to Manchou-Kuo. is due to this lack of definite tnformation regarding the activities of the Japanese throughout this province that nothing but uncertain. Information can be given regarding their plans or programme.
It ig, however, possible to consider! the possible development of a threat
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.