STRICKEN CHINA.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 November 1920, Page 6

STRICKEN CHINA.

STATEMENT BY CONSUL. j By Tclegrapn.--Press Association, l Wellington, Nov. 15. Mr Lin Shih Vna.ll, the' Chinese Consul, writes to ilm Presn Association: ' I Wiis very much grieved to see the telegram from Peking, dated the !lth inst., I giving statistic relating to the appalling famine which is causing so great loss of life in the Chilli province in China, but I was much hurt at the concluding paragraph, which says: 'The white element is doing all that is possible to alleviate the distress, but is practically powerless against the supine attitude of the (iovernment.' The compiler of the telegram is obviously in absolute ignorance, for I have received many cable messages fronisthe Ministry of Foreign Affairs asking.for assistance from all Chinese abroad, and also intimating that the Government is making a levy on all Government officials throughout, the country to the extent of one-fifth of their salaries for a period of three mouths, apart from those who have ;lready subscribed liberally in order to help the fiull'crers. That a few superstitious persons should consider the famine is a visitation from Heaven to clear an overcrowded land is not remarkable, in view of the ideas held liv i certain sects among the Western people. I who, 1 am told, believe that the doors j of Heaven are open only to those who adhere to a particular belief, hut I can assure you sympathy with fellowcreatures in distress is not an uncommon xirtue, among the Clmese. I would be obliged if you would give publicity to this correction, as the tone of your telegram is calculated to cause tension between China and the West."