CHINESE TURKESTAN

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 196, 21 August 1935, Page 16

CHINESE TURKESTAN

“Soviet influence is predominant in Chinese Turkestan, not politically but because communications havo given Bussia almost tho entiro trade of this vast region nominally controlled by China,” declared Dr. Sven Hedin, Swedish explorer, interviewed during a brief visit to Moscow.

During one year’s explorations m Sinkiang which Dr. Hedin completed last February, he discovered the most friendly relations between the Sinkiang Governor, Gen. Sheng Shih-tsai and the Soviets, based entirely upon trade ; greements Dr. Hedin does not believe tae Russians are interested in political control which is unnecessary to protect their trade interests

On behalf of the Nanking Government, Dr. Hedin investigated the possibility of a highway construction connecting Sinkiang and China, which nominally controls the provinco. He mapped two highway routes which can be rebuilt with slight expense whereby trade with China can be reopened. These routes follow the ancient ‘ ‘ Silk Road” along which Chinese silks reached Europe for centuries belore other communications were established. When constructed the travelling time ai ween Sinkiang and China will Do ro- ■’ in fi fnrtnisrllt.

Dr. Hedin was imprisoned successively last year by General Machungyiu, tho Muhammadan leader in tho revolt, and General Shih-tsai. He diplomatically persuaded both leaders to releaso his expedition and permit him to complete tho highway mapping, parting with both on tho best terms.

The veteran explorer discounted rumours that the Japanese supported General Machungyin who, he declared, aspires to unite all Central Asian Muhammadans into ono Muhammadan empire with himself as ruler. When finally defeated, General Machungyin fled across the Soviet border and now is reported to bo interned in Alma Ata. Knowing his aspirations to arouse tho Muhammadans in the Soviet territory, the Russians are unlikely to release him. Dr. Hedin declared this youthful leader has tremendous influence with Chinese Muhammadans.

Dr. Hedlin plans to accompany Dr. Hugo Eekener in a new Zeppelin this summer to trace the course of the Amazon River. When this journey is completed ho intends to return to Chinn for further explorations in Central Asm

Maps are now being prepared incorporating tho results of half a century’s explorations which Dr. Hedin declared 1 1’ To wnrlr.