MR WU

Evening Star, Issue 18668, 24 June 1924, Page 2

MR WU

ABLE CHINESE DIPLOMAT.

“ Mr Wu ” was seen on the Chines# steamer Ling Nam to-day (writes the Auckland correspondent, of the ‘ Lyttelton Times ’ under date of 19th inst.). He is not the original “ Mr Wu,” of the fearful drama; he is a much milder man, and he has done more on the stage of real life than over 11 Mr Wu ” in the imaginary drama. Wu Shcnkun is the full name of Mr Wu. He was one of (lie delegates to the Washington Peace Conference, and has for the last two years been secretary of the Chinese Legation at Santiago, Chile. Mr \Vn said bn had heard practically nothing regarding the political situation in China during the last few mouths, and ho was not anxious regarding it. War between the North and South, he said, was everlasting and interesting. “ Canton is rebellious," ho informed an interviewer with a smile. “ Canton is like what Ireland was—always against the Government. Naturally the North will not accept tho Cantonese attitude, ami so they fight—there are too many politicians in Canton.”

The interviewer assured him that New Zealand was similarly afflicted. Mr Wu laughed, and said it appeared to him that an over-plus of politicians was the curse of every country. However, it must be remembered that. Chinn had only twelve years ago declared herself a republic and thrown off the chains of the most absolute monarchy known to any civilisation, and during that twelve years the most frightful war known to modem mankind had intervened to prevent normal progress. Though China had not been involved as a nation, she had been sadly disturbed by the Great War, which had exercised ,? great influence against peaceful progress. • < Mvself, I am what you call in English an internationalist,-’’ said Mr Wu, “ All men are the same to me, no matter of what country, as long as they are decent men in themselves. We ought to try to cultivate an international attitude and trv to understand each other. It may take a' long while, but it is well worth attemuting.” Mr Wu said he knew that the Japanese wore greatly hated by most Chinese. However, ho regarded the Japanese as a very groat people, and a change of the Chinese attitude would follow a change of Japanese heart. Mr Wu, (besides being a member of the Chinese diplomatic service, is connected with several newspapers in Central China, to which he has been a regular contributor on subjects concerning South American and international affairs.