THE STRAITS TIMES

Singapore

17 November 1933

(page 16)

A CHINESE SOVIET REPUBLIC.

Amazing Situation in Kiangsi.

Effective but maintained by terrorism, involving slaughter greater than that at the time of the Taiping Rebellion, the Chinese Soviet Republic in Southern Kiangsi covers territory in excess of 50,000 square miles, according to Mr. Gerald Yorke, who gave a lecture recently at the Foreign Y.M.C.A. in Shanghai.

With the exception of salt, which is “bootlegged” into the area isolated by the blockade instituted by Gen. Chiang Kai-shek, the republic is virtually self-supporting. It has scarcely been troubled by either Canton of Nanking, with fighting only in the “pink fringe” that borders the actual territory under the rule of the Communists.

The value of the notes issued is assured, since any citizen who dares to raise a question is promptly shot. Huge sums obtained as loot or ransom are used for propaganda beyond the border.

Thorough Organisation.

Organisation is the keynote, with an official census of available living accommodation followed by an allotment of lodgings, regardless of previous ownership. A daily paper is published in the capital, Juiking, which is 250 miles south of Nanchang.

A postal system is in operation, with five-cent stamps bearing the hammer and sickle design. Each citizen is allowed $50 in ready money and $300 in capital, aiming at the elimination of the middle-man. Prices are state-controlled, eliminating real profit. Land also has been redistributed.

“To establish a new China based on youth” is one of the many slogans of the children of the republic, who have been taken from their homes to be educated. When it is possible, they are transferred to another district. Taught to sing, dance, and act, they are sent as spies into the outside territory, and even are used in actual fighting.

German-Trained Commander.

Under a German-trained commander, who lives on equal terms with his men, the republic’s army of 70,000 men is well equipped and trained, composed not of fanatics but of professional soldiers.

In contrast, Mr. Yorke outlines the plans of Marshal Chiang Kai-shek for a third great offensive, the object of which is to wipe out the Soviet Republic of China. He pointed out that, for the first time in the history of the Chinese Army, pensions were to be paid, and, in addition to the 300,000 soldiers brought into Kiangsi, 30,000 “iron shoulder men” had been added to carry supplies over the mountains, where roads end.

The Marshal’s plan for education, both juvenile and adult, for stabilization of the rice market, and for reorganization of taxation also were outlined. However, he added, many of these reforms are still on paper.