ADVENTURES IN CHINA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21578, 24 August 1933, Page 10

ADVENTURES IN CHINA

ADVISER TO WAR LORD JAPAN'S GROWING POWER [by telegraph—OWN correspondent] WELLINGTON, Wednesday An adventurous life has been that of Captain H. M. Talbot-Lehmann, who at present is visiting Wellington. Ho served in the Great War in the Air Force and during the civil war in China filled the post of aeronautical adviser to the war lord, Marshal Chang Tso-lin. He is 35 years of age. Since the Great War Captain TalbotLehmann has flown in Great Britain. Canada, Norway, Java, China and Australia, and has travelled in every part of the world except South America. He was appointed to the rank of colonel in Marshal Chang Tso-lin's air force and was responsible for the organisation of that force. Ho went through two campaigns in China, and on the death of Chang Xso-lin served with his son, Chang Hsiao-liang. On one occasion a firing squad was ordered for him because he had refused to participate in a hostile action. He insisted on adhering to his position as aeronautical adviser and instructor, and fortunately gained his point. " 1 think Japan will ultimately force her control on the whole of China," said Captain Talbot-Lehmann. " She is gaining ground so cunningly that even if she does not control China from a military point of view she will be her economic mastor. On the other band, it has to bo remembered that the influence of the Bolsheviks is very strong in the Canton district, where Soviets havo been established, and if this district gains t.ho allianco of Russia, Japan may find her hands full. The Chinese themselves will be unable to take effective action for fivo or 10 years owing to general disorganisation. It has to be remembered that the organisation of China presents many difficulties. Although racial ties are strong, there aro numerous dialects which aro formidable barriers to organising plans. " Under Japanese supervision, Manchuria is being developed at a rapid rato," he continued. " The South Manchurian Railway is tho best I have ever travelled on and thore are signs of industry all over the country. China at present is hostile to Japan but it may bo only a matter of time until the hostility is overcome. After all, they aro both yellow peoples and their general outlook is much the same. "On leaving China I travelled through Siberia and Russia and X was amazed at tho progress which is being made. Tho Soviet system is a thorough one, and, personally, I am inclined to think that other nations of the world will eventually adopt some sort of Soviet State. Naturally each country will adopt a system best suited to its own conditions and to the characteristics of its people, but thore is little doubt, that Sovietism will influence tho fortune of nearly every nation."