TWO MILLION DEAD

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 135, 4 March 1929, Page 11

TWO MILLION DEAD

SHOCKING CONDITIONS IN CHINA • i STRICKEN KANSU PROVINCE RAVAGES OF WAR AND FAMINE (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright) Australian Press Association. (Rec. March 3, 5.5 p.m.) Shanghai, March 2. Over two million people—almost a quarter of the population of Kansu Province—have perished as a result of famine, war ravages, and Moslem massacres in less than a year, according to the latest reports from the griefstricken- areas. An account of the true conditions within the province are difficult to obtain as- communications are almost severed. Investigators fear to venture in the area lest their food supplies be filched by the populace. Halfdead victims who succeeded in reaching neighbouring provinces relate tales of appalling suffering. - Experts estimate that it will require eight million sterling worth of grain seed to save the remaining inhabitants from certain death, apart from immediate food supplies to prevent the seed being eaten. The country is stripped absolutely bare of vegetation and trees for hundreds of miles. The starving population commenced consuming earth, the majority dying quickly. Grave fears ’ are held of a plague outbreak, yet the neighbouring provinces refuse to deplete their own meagre stocks by. aiding the sufferers.