Very real regret will be felt at the! death of M. Auguste Wilden, France's Minister and Ambassador-designate to China, "a former. Consul-General in Shanghai and a most able, representative of the Republic diplomatically and sgejally. The British cofhmunity"mourn the passing of a man who was allied to them by the close associations between his country and theirs and also by his own personal friendship with British residents here. It is fitting to recall the ser-_ vice which M, Wilden rendered in the Great War as an Interpreter' with the British forces. He was decorated by his own President with, the Croix de Guerre and he actually' won the British decoration of the Distinguished Conduct Medal, a highly cherished award for gallantry' in the field and the "other ranks' equivalent of the D.S.0. M, Wilden was attached to the 15th Division in France and members of that famous formation still in Shanghai have the liveliest recollection his camaraderie and. imperturbable courage. In the Zero Club, where Wilden was always a welcome: visitor, he delighted to recall those days of comradeship. But asa diplomat M. Wilden served France in China. His exceptional gitts of insight and sympathy enabled him to acquire a remarkable reputation for, Understanding. He commanded, Chinese confidence and. esteem. Those national qualities of paychological perception—amounting almost to an unerring instinct—he possessed full measure. There was probably no sounder judge of political conditions in China among the members of the diplomatic Peiping. He "managed, successfully to combine a performance of his offeial with an enthusiastic enjoyment of the social life around him. By his death France tas lost a faithful and patriotic servant and China a real friend. Respectful sympathy will be generally tendered to the French' community and to Madame Wilden who has so tirelessly fulfilled her duties by his side. whether in Shang-hal, Peiping or Nanking.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.