By "Smoy"
{Foiled by the Chinese government inj his ottempls to carry out a one man seientiic. expedition far into tHe interior of China, Mr. I A. Dyokoff, well-known traveller, peda-vogue and writer, has returned here from Hankow via Hongkong in the Conte Biancamano. More than two years ago he loft for the interior wth aim of gathering scientific data in the province of Szechuen and later inlaking his way into bet, but when in June, 1037, he reached Chungking and proceeded to the mountains, the war then brewing between China and Japan caused authorities to forbid him to travel any further, especially as his emigrant passport engendered no small measure of suspicion in their minds.
Hig 14 months of travelling in the interior with no Consular protection and no company except, on occasion, highly distrustful police officials, have left Ins, Dyakoff with many interest ing experiences and impressions, all of which he means to later set down into a book. In Wensien he was arrested by the local constabulary. The next three months he spent in hiding ina Chinese monastery, and finally reached Hankow.
Soviet Pilots offices of Russian lawyers are full of people wishing to start minor pro-facedings In court. Proceedings for $500 are already counted as major ones.
Of late, cases of landlords ejecting their tenants from flats and even separate rooms have increased in number. Even tenants prompt with their payment are asked to leave, since in the halt of construction in jolty full of refugees landlords see 2 chance to increase their customary rent.
The number of Russians brought Into court for smoking opium and heroin is also considerable. Although punishment for this is stern, including the death sentence, judges, are humane to the accused and do not pass very harsh sentences.
On Friday, August 19, the Day of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, the Jorganization of Russian Razvedchiki (Scouts) celebrated their holiday. A religious service was held in the Jelub-house at 4 o'clock in the after noon, after which each "Razvedchik" gave his solemn vow to serve God, Russia and his parents. In the even-Ing an interesting programme was Jeiven in the Ex-Omcers' Club, participated in solely by boys and girls. This organization has been in exist ence in' Shanghai for the last two In that city, Mr. Dyakoff recounts, there are today no less than 300 Soviet pilots. Their discipline is exemplary, and they xecelve U. S. $250 per month from the Chinese government, with an additional U. $600 for every Japanese aeroplane they succeed in bringing down. Coming to Hankow in rather modest attire, they soon blossom forth into exotic costume, which they augment Hiberally with shirts, neckties, shoes, and sults at whatever prices' shop-Ikeepers care to state. Gramophone records are bought by them in great number, with preference given to Russian singers and tunes, Tu the street Soviet pilots are saluted by Chinese policemen, Mr. Dyaloff states. With Russian emigres they profer not to enter into any re-Intions at all, and when addressed by the latter limit their answers to "yes" and "no,"
Confirming rumours long circulate ing Tocally that a number of Russian residents of Hankow were apprehend~ fed and sent to an unknown destina-ton, Mr. Dyakoff tells of the traceless disappearance of Captain Troyan, Mr. Fedorov and several other emigres. Similarly, there is no information on the whereabouts of Mr. D. I. Goustott who was deported from Shanghai by Concession authorities and later brought to Hankow. Rumour is rife that he has been sent to the U.S. S.R.
When prior to his departure for shanghai Mr, Dyakoft was given his papers at the Political Department, he was told the following: "You are going to Shanghai, where there are many white Russians. Tell each and every one of them not to leave for the interior of China, as any one of their number appearing in those parts will be immediately arrested."
Emigres' Interests Tu order to safeguard the interests of Russian emigres residing in the Yangtszepoo, Broadway, Wayside and Hongkew disiriets which are under the control of the Japanese author!- ies, a special committee has been formed on the northern side of the Greek, 'This committee, according to statement given to the Russian press by Mr, Charles Metzler, Representative of the Russian colony of Shang-hal, is under the control of the main Emigrants' Committee and has Col. WU. K, Serojnikoff as Chairman and Mr, K. A. Soushkin as Secretary, and ig further composed of eight other permanent residents of the above districts, AMI former citizens of the Russian Empire living on the northern ide of the Creek must register them-elves in this new committee.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.