Miss Hooker's Statement
Transcribed by MARGARET COLLEY
Written in June and July 1935, before he was captured by Bandits in
Northern China, and finally died on August 12th, the day before his 30th
Birthday.
Shanghai - Sunday
June 23rd to Sunday June 30th 1935.
Sunday - Wrote articles, Palace Hotel, bought picture by Wong Ya
Chun of Swallows. Saw “Black Fury” very good.
Monday Mail including $400 for 2 articles, got luggage, moved to Y.M,
dined at Mr Percy Tilly’s with daughter Leila and Sybil Mclorn, went to
dance in Paramont with them, had tea with Tiriçoon at Reuters.
Tuesday - Lunch with Howard at Metropole University Club, saw Miss
Hender, and Revi Alli took me to see the Mills and Houses where contract
labour girls work. Dined in the Evening with Mr Harold Porter, he fears
the Japanese in Shanghai are trying to a get a grip on Shanghai. That
morning, his car had been held up by six Jap armoured cars in Bubbling
Well Road. Dined in the old Chinese house in the evening.
Wednesday
- Lunch 1 with the Tilly’s at the Club, and went with Revi Alli to see
Japanese places and boy labour. Saw Woodhead at 10.00 and called to see
Howard on aviation. Woodhead favours the Japanese. Dined with Cheng who
took me to Vienna.
Thursday
- Lunched with Mitchell, Shipping man, Butterfield and Swine. Went to
see Cardinal Richlieu with Zena,in the evening, Supper, bed early. Saw
Grey at 2.30, Banks China, talked on Silver, Randall Gould at 3.00, went
to see Press Office at Shanghai. Municipal Council feared the Japanese.
Telephone police etc. language in Gazette.
Friday - Cheng did not turn up to lunch, called to see Kwei, who asked
me to the China Critic Dinner, then to Santa Anna in Vienna.
Also
went to American Consulate to see about films, no propaganda yet, and also
Major Ferguson.
Saturday - Commercial Counsellor Calder Marshall also. Dined with
Brahams (Harold), [Athlete] Guy Livingstone and Mackenzie at the Country
Club then went to Blue Danube in Vienna. Saw cid city.
Sunday,
June 30th went to see Baroness Von Ungon Sternberg, met
Cheng at 2.0 with Pax, went to see Mickey Mouse, dull day, sleepy, went to
Rue Lafayette, caught train to Nanking.
Subject: Cheng (section in German)
Nanking
- The Ministry of Justice instructs that death sentence shall be
executed by strangulation machines, instead of stranglers. The order, also
instructs that the Prisoners sentenced to death be first Chloroformed if
possible before execution, however, prior to the installation of
strangulation machines, death sentences shall continue to be executed by
Stranglers.
Interview - Dr Shih
Mo, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs
“The military in North
China, seem to be able to do anything they like, nothing comes through
Diplomatic channels, the Jap Embassy here only deals with us in small
details and of no significance. Our Embassy in Tokyo has very little work.
The youngest Officers are out of hand, they can do anything, they are
backed up and even the Older Generals at home have lost power, the Foreign
Office can do nothing
The Kwantung Army has the task keeping peace
in the North. What can we do? Nothing, our forces are being used against
the Communists. We must wait, we will be able to absorb Conquerors as we
always have. Our enemies the Japanese refuse to listen to reason, we
cannot argue with them, they always point a Pistol at our heads and say
‘Yes or No’, there’s no discussion at all, you’ve got to accept or are
attacked. If we resist we will lose more territory, they want to control
the Yellow River. It is humiliating but we can do nothing”. Unity is
coming, there are definite signs that Canton is coming round. When China
has finished off the Communists in Sichuan, Kwangsi and Kwangtung, will
come to the National Banner. The Japs believe that the Unification of
China would be bad for them. I try to convince them of the contrary. They
think a United China would fight them, but we’d have to have a strong
Navy, and look at the navy we have. No, a United China would be of help to
the Japs, because of improved trade.
Great Britain has realised this, and since 1926 laid stress on Unification
and on better trade. We are now left to ourselves.”
“The Japs in Tokyo did not know there would be the Manchu incident on
September 18th 1935, Chahar and Hopei cannot be defended. The Japs want to
make us into an India, if they feel they cannot achieve It they will try
to make us into a kind of Egypt.”
Interview
with Dr Foo -
Why
have the Government not even made a protest against the Japanese actions?
Why have they acquiesced in her deeds?
“Humiliating but we are powerless”.
T.T.Li - We know that the Japs want to control Kalgan, an act of
strategic importance, the route to Outer Mongolia. There is a silent
bitterness throughout the country, but the papers etc are not allowed to
express it, but the resentment is there, there is a national feeling.
Dr Ting - Inner Mongolia is exaggerated, Military completely
strategic, the climate, the products - economic motives are the excuse.
The Japanese Military want to make China the Empire and control China,
there is Iron Ore in Manchukuo and Magnesium. The USA are jealous, the
Japanese will attack Philippines, Borneo and later on Singapore, war not
necessary, suffice Europe. Trouble.
(Soldiers are out of step and in slippers). Manchukuo is very rich, reason
the rainfall. Mongolia no Waterhole.
Interview - Charles Tommy En Ku - Chiang K S, is a very sick man and
cannot last many years, that is why we fear he does everything himself,
even gives commands to sergeants, gives no power outside himself. No
successor in view, Wang not strong, political illness when trouble, he
just skedaddles from Nanking.
T.T Li. We’ve wasted 5 years fighting the communists by arms, when we
should have fought them by diplomacy, and politic. They’re honest, we
should have come to a compromise, You’ve no idea what a fortune has gone
into the fight with the communists.
Chiang has bad teeth, indigestion and general breakdown.
T.T. Li - We wish Britain would show her teeth more, we are
disappointed in Sir Samuel Hoares statement in the House of Commons.
Even
the weather has been against us, last year a drought, this year floods. In
1931 the Japanese chose the right period, because we had been weakened by
the worst floods in 100 Years. Japanese always choose the right time. In
the Great War -demands.
Sugil – Chiang’s health is not so bad as they say or he couldn’t work
so hard. How Japs bring pressure to bear on contracts, Railway Roads.
Peking - July 4th - Arrived Thursday morning, went to Legations
Hospice, Room $3.25, Scents in Peking excellent. Went in afternoon to see
Timperley, who is very helpful.
Friday
July 5th - Ambassador Sir A Cadogan, Jones - What should British
Politicians do? “Very difficult, people say they should want a more
positive policy, but they cannot define it. We must leave the trade to
themselves, except when treaty rights are infringed, some say ‘send
Gunboats’, but how can you do that”.
Jones - “Understanding with Japan?”
Ambassador - “No it depends of course on how far understanding would
go, but it would damage Great Britain in China and make people think we
are Pro Japanese.
Amau
sends Balloons sometimes, to see how far he can go, they allow Majors etc
to do it, to launch balloons, because they can repudiate them. Our
interests in Northern China are reall2’ not so great. Kaolin
Mines, Oil and Tobacco. The Japs want to develop North China economically,
but everything is in the lap of Gods. We do know what the next step is.
Jones
bewildered
Faulkner
- North China will become great and prosperous industrial region under
Jap control, Peking will be a great industrial centre — ‘Fin sit’ Nanking
disastrous - third rate. All the money has gone in buying up the provinces.
Opium is the only profitable business.
Major
Takahashi - Military attaché, Fisher asked him about roads planned by
the South Manchu Commission, Kalgan.
Takahashi
-“When the trouble comes we will need the roads for strategic purposes.”
“What do you mean, when the trouble comes?”
“The two systems, Bolshoi and Japanese, cannot exist side by side, there
will be trouble, the negotiations over the Outer Mongolian, Manchukuo
frontier will fail and there will be frontier incidents”. “We may demand
in Chahar there shall be no further Chinese colonization in Chahar”. “We
must have control over Inner Mongolia for purposes of defence”. He grinned
and showed his Gold teeth.
Jap
counsellor Wakatsugi - We wish to increase economic prosperity of
North China, Manchukuo and Japan. Having formed the state of Manchukuo. We
wish to stop the barriers which have been put up between the countries.
Our aim is to increase communications; it is only recently that the
telephone service has been renewed. For our own reasons, we want cotton to
be grown here, especially in Shan-tung and we wish to set up Japanese
factories In Tien-tsien and Tsing-hai.
Jones - “Will that be in the best interests of textile factories in
Japan?”
Reply
“There will be different quality, and the factories in North China will be
for the Chinese market. We want to raise the standard of living here, and
also develop the raw materials. But we do not want to tear it away from
China”.
Jones
- How about Mongolia?
Reply- “In the interests of self defence, we must
maintain influence in Mongolia. Its against the communist menace from the
north. We must have a barrier there against Bolshevik propaganda, which
would be disastrous. Asia.
We want to help the Mongols in their autonomy, if the Chinese could defend
themselves against the Northern influence, there would be no need for us
to do anything, but the Chinese are too weak, therefore we must take
measures of self defence.
Here it is quiet now. Certain movements here, knowingly the Chinese G.P.U
and anti-Jap movements are stopping good relationships between Manchukuo
and North China, we made demands for the dissolution of these bodies, the
Chinese dissolved them of their own accord so as not to lose face, but of
course following desires which we had expressed.
Amoy (welsh term ) Japan has complete grip over Amoy, when I came to Amoy
in 1926 there were only 3,000 Formosans, now there are 30 - 35,000 and
they are coming more and more. The Chinese hate the Formosans because they
are Japanised and the Formosans hate the Japs. They can do anything at
all, they pay no attention to the law, and they refuse to pay taxes.
I
arrested Korean for attempted murder. There were witnesses, the husband
who was the victim, wife, two concubines and a servant. Took the case to
Jap Consular Court, “Dismissed for insufficient evidence”.
You
can smuggle anything you like, you can get in Jap Firearms, and they’re
very cheap. We arrested some rioters, “Where did you get the firearms?”
was the question. “Japanese”, was the reply at last.
Inner
Mongolia
The
Kalgan Club - On 13/5/34 at 20.42, no drinks could be procured, the bar
being invaded by ladies. “People must not bring their own wives, then
there would be no complaints about ladies being at the bar”. Other writer
- did not bring my wife, she came”.
[visited]Journey with beautiful scenery, saw great wall, Americans. The
river, three horses were drowned with sudden floods. Kalgan hotel.
The
caps in China have the gift of making themselves bigger or smaller ie.Lamas
The
Mongols loathe the Chinese, they ride Donkeys, Mongols do not go in for
petty cheating ie selling poor quality silk, Mongol princes are honest and
they like it.
“Mind the Dogs, they go for the
throat and can kill”, Mongols 4 eyed dog, the sight spot over the eyes.
Wong Sang defended (This is the document he signed)
We
the undersigned, herewith certify that we are going to visit Inner
Mongolia on our own risk, for any eventualities which may happen during
our travelling. We carefully considered all warnings of local Chinese
Officers, who will take no responsibility should anything happen to the
undersigned.
Kalgan 11th July 1935 - Purpose to visit the “King of
Kalgan?”, “No, Mongolia”. Statuesque ***** asked us for our visiting
card.
Friday, up at 4.00, Baron shaves and puts on shorts, whistles, Muller.
(Argument in bar at Grand Hotel)
English came
drunk 2 O’clock, sorry no Whisky (hic hic). “I can tell your
nationality”. What? “Belgian”. Why? “English gentlemen don’t whistle, only
Belgians”.
Caravan leading two cars and one big truck filled with all kinds of goods
for the Mongolians. Out, narrow streets, walks, early morning, dogs and
man sleeping, Rickshaws. Tarass Bulba huge Cossack groom comes and sits
next to me. Three Russians and myself in car, driver says, don’t be
disappointed if we don’t get further than 12 miles, flood may have blocked
the road. Horses in the morning. Soldiers, formerly Gen Sung come to the
gate, Foreign Office Rep - grin, shakes hands of all, sudden shout of
“soldiers” - Müller.
Mongol Steppes - Forget me nots flower, saw bridge, children,
red trousers, headdress. Chaha Sunlya border, three days by horse. Tarass
Bulba - head like egg, flowers. Choosing the horse and rider, whip lasso,
600 horses all sticking together side by side affectionately. Its against
the wolves, who will kill the horses. In Outer Mongolia, they reckon 5%
die from the wolves, they even kill big horses.
Saturday
July 13th - Woke up, good sleep, cold morning, sound of horses hooves,
and camels, just nearby about 600 Horses, choosing is testing, branding
difficult. Kippers for breakfast.
Muller - The prince of West Sunnit (Teh Wang).
Teh
Wang, owns about 35,000 horses, 30,000 Camels etc, and the land all the
way to the Outer Mongolian border. About 20,000 the sunniid form the tribe,
the Prince is the judge, it is a matter of life and death. Every one of
the tribe must enter, or else they must come and serve you. Very hard for
the Japs to control here. How can they do it? Drop a few bombs on the
Steppes. Very Independent characters.
Beidzemias - Jap officers
of the Kwantung army at Dolonor, Utchimutchin is down at
Beidzemias
Society for friendly
relations with neighbouring nations by delegates, medical mission to
Mongolia.
Japanese Society for Study of Lamaism
Japanese have wireless stations (sending and receiving at all these
places), and all stations are connected by motorcars and aeroplanes. In
Teh Wang Foo there is a Japanese Hospital. Planning to develop roads.
Probably before long there will be an autonomous Mongolia with treaty of
friendship and commerce with Japan.
You
pick up pieces of Agate. Fire made of horse dung. A mile is much further
in Mongolia than elsewhere. Saw two Beetles, black, walking backwards and
pushing snail. No Post Office at all in Inner Mongolia.
Saturday
July 13th 1935 - Horses, still choosing, fine riders now they catch
horses with a whip lasso, running after it, amazing no fall. Ground a
little sandy with tiny stones heaps of flowers.
Wandered about - 10.20, off to Princes bouncing up and down over the
Steppes, no road, fine, just the same sensation as aeroplane, but road is
bumpy. Of lone rider, sheep, steppe land about one hour.
Müller
said, that’s where the aeroplanes land, Japanese planes come very often.
The
Panchen Lama has been here for a long time.
Palace - 2 palaces, one for Panchen Lama, and other for Prince Teh Wang.
Chinese Court, very long grey walls not high and white wall on which blue
fish were painted. Soldiers come out, all teeth and pigtails in very dark
old uniforms, but very fine silver work on their daggers and belts. One
soldier stopped the car by putting up rifle, and grins, other soldiers
come delighted, (unlike the Chinese), when we photographed them.
We
drove to the Yamen where Yurts stand, a low white washed building with a
grey roof, then Yurts. We are taken inside a Yurt, it is round, made of
sheepskins and wool, warm and comfortable. Man in silk, (very old), blue
dress with sash (purplish/red) round the middle, come and bow, and lead us
in. We sit on the seats of honour, beautiful silver work on dagger and
belts.
Mongol houses look very much like Adobe house in Pueblo. Priest boys,
Panchen Lama.
When Mongols greeted each other, they took their beautiful snuff bottles
of different colours and stones, hand them to one another, pretend to
sniff and hand them back.
Met
Mr Pao, Chinese, is captured by communists, prisoner, he seized one of
hats of communist, walked out and escaped!
At
the temple, Lama priest and children, great joke, all laughing and Chief
priest is very fat, laughing, red gowns holds out coloured stick with Joss
incense burning, but he chuckles all the time, man beats piece of wood.
Chinese Temple with dragon heads looking down. They sing for a long time,
all the same tune and then tone something like R.C. Brilliant colours of
the temple, but the boys in purple cloaks, some yellowish dirty cloaks,
they had hats like Roman soldier with yellow mane, the boys looked jolly.
Old
man sits at the door of the temple, mutters into his hand and boys
reply. Open air courtyard raised above the yard as entrance to the temple.
A collection of bells with beautiful sounds. Boys looked at each new
arrival. Mongols, which joins, no spiritual feeling. Bells hang
from gables. Man in comical red hat, then turns wheel, 23 on side and one
big wheel, words written on it in Mongolian, cylinder about a foot high.
Priests come to see my hairy legs, look in wonder and point. Mongol in
red cloak turns each cylinder, He has prayer beads. Cylinders on two sides
North and South.
5.30 in the afternoon - the priests have no pigtails - hair cut short.
They sit cross legged (Larks in the sky, Swallows swoop about and
chirrup).
The
chief on the floor makes noise, loud little Rub-a-dub, seems to wink at
us, big gong, outburst from the big man on floor, crescendo, (laughs)
declining, then a roar from the man on the floor with a big moustache
about 5 inches long.
Plessen,
“Most extraordinary divine service I’ve ever attended in my life. I’ve
seen, just like Negro or like Gwyn Rees.”
Carvings of dragons in gold with green neck, dragons on the roof, Chinese
influence. Chief comes, fat, suddenly draws heavy stick and right in
middle of service, strikes a boy on back and on head in punishment.
‘What’s that for?’ asks Plessen, just before, we thought it was part of
the ceremony. The priest, big bead, grown up priest looked dumb, they
don’t wear the yellow hats.
Went with Sir Charles Bell to Panchen Lama’s Palace. “You see that the
Chinese have much more influence here than in Tibet”.
Went towards the Lama’s residence outside the fine Chinese Temple like
structure next to the mud huts of the Chinese buildings and workings.
Müller,
“This is a Vegetable Garden built by the Chinese. The Mongols don’t have
them, they have a belief that it is wrong to touch the surface of the
earth, they don’t even dig the earth. They don’t bury their dead. A dead
man is tied on a rope on to a horse and is dragged by the horse with the
rider, off into the Steppes, until the corpse falls off or is lost, the
rider must not look back. There the body is left on the Steppes. The birds
and wolves come and eat the bodies.
Müller
- “Lama’s murder men who put curse - 3 days. Murder, Lasa - 3 priests not
true, one piece true - name of village.
Mongols just bought rifles from the Japanese, they applied to Nanking,
but Nanking offered a price about 20% higher than Japanese prices.
Dr
Erskine - “The Prince was diseased, and all his babies died, one each
year, then I gave him a cure, and now his children live and he is very
grateful to me. Mongols absolute lack of self-consciousness and love being
photographed, will come and sit by your side when you eat, will come and
stare. The boy priests now sitting down and staring at me.
Festival in honour of the spirits of the mountain.
July
14th - 5 O’clock - Time to get up shouts Plessen. Liang 45 years old,
looks like old preacher, looks very elegant, his artificial silk socks
over his trousers up to his knees.
Erskine came into hut where mother had had son captured by bandits, she is
muttering Mana Patmako. "Those wonderful jewel of the Lotus flower, it is
praise to Buddha, who is born in a Lotus flower".
Pre
Buddha Spirit worship, they believe that there is a Spirit in the
Mountain.
Wrestler came to Erskine, he’d been getting old and wanted medicine to
make him strong again.
This
is a feast to the Spirit of the Mountain.
Princes little son aged 5, had a little red hat on with a number of
pearls, and a Jade brooch and a brown silk coat with a design on his back
and a number of yellow squares. He had a Lama guard.
The
cylinders of the priests contain Lama prayers, to turn the cylinders, (the
prayer wheels), they regard equivalent to reading, the Lama scripts, many
in yellow.
Erskine - The Bolsheviks have started a national movement, in Outer
Mongolia to try and get other Mongols to join. Soviet official told a
Mongol. What a pity Mongols are divided. They want a Soviet Socialist
United Mongolia.
Prince Teh Wang,
Jones - Aims of the Mongols - a unified Mongolia with outside influence.
Prince - “A unified Mongolia without outside influence”
Jones - “Do you mean creating an Outer Mongolia?
Prince —“Yes - we want all the three, coalition under Russia, and the free
Mongols to be united into one great nation.”
Jones - “Are signs to a nationalist feeling in Outer Mongolia?”
Prince - “I think there are signs of them wakening the sense of
nationality”
Jones “Are there any indications whether the Mongolians in Manchukuo will
join a united Mongolia?”
Prince - “I don’t know”
Jones “Best method to attain united Mongolia, would it be with Japanese
help?”
Prince - “Our aim is to attain it independently without any outside help.
Jones - “What would the attitude be towards Japanese help?”
Prince -“Everyone who sympathises with us is our friend. We Mongolians are
divided into three parts, North, East, and the free Mongolians, we are the
ones who have preserved root of Mongols, and anything which must be done
for unification of Mongolia, must start from us.”
Jones - “What po1icy to adopt?”
P.R
- 2 alternatives,
A) Free Mongols to unite with Eastern Mongols and Northern Mongols.
B) Free Mongols to join Northern Mongols and free Manchu Mongols.
Jones - “Which policy?”
Prince - “Wait and see, depends on developments” He yawned, seemed very
tired, cunning eyes, sharp diplomatic replies, skilful.
Jones pressed.
Prince - “The Chinese want the people, we prefer to rely on them, but if
they treat us badly, (colonization). The Japanese are the second people we
would turn to as a last resort. If we are squashed, then we have one
choice, it would be to the North, but it does not mean we have sympathy
with Russia.
Jones - “Would not any link with Russia mean a blow to the Mongol Princes
and destruction of the Mongolian Organisation. Prince - “Yes we realise
the dangers.
Jones - “How are the Japanese roads affected”
Prince - “Have heard a rumour, they have no proposals to make a road their
cars can use, and fly their aeroplanes.”
Jones - “Have the Japs made any plans for wool and industrial
development?”
Prince - “No, they have made no proposals for any development at all, that
would come from us.
Aerodromes, said Jones. That was denied.
Jones - “Whats the significance of the visit to the Japanese to Pai Ling-miao?”
Prince - “Merely social”
Jones - “Prospects of war between Russia and Japan, what would the
attitude be?”
Prince - “We cannot foretell what will happen, we prefer to await
developments”
End of Interview
Jap plane arrives with Japanese officials,
flies low over the crowds.
In
tent, the Prince is in Blue, light blue silk dragon designs, with dark
blue collar and a thick silk black skull cap with red button on top. Next
to him, a little boy, Pearls etc. Jade, played with cakes, elder son.
Throne is a dragon, blue, red etc. Servants come in and stare, sit cross
legged. Prince had revelled, had bow and arrow, very good, had got the
bulls eye twice ie knocked out the centre, hard, reddened, very tired and
yawned.
Before wrestling, serve mares milk, white is for a symbol of whiteness of
Mongol heart. Given a present.
Had
peacocks feather on back, had gold purse with red and black design,
pigtail.
Looking out of the tent entrance, saw the riders and retainers etc allowed
to wear peacock feathers on their heads, they are the peacock feathers, very
official, peacock doesn’t signify rank, button on top signifies rank, direct
descendant of Genghis Khan.
Before the Princes tent, there is a square cloth (about 20 yards in front),
directly in line with the entrance, it is to prevent the evil spirits from
entering in the tent.
Müller
- Teh Wang is very ambitious.
Wrestling - wrestler leaps dancing, arrows kicked, leather coat studded with
white metal studs with a Buddhists wheel on back, wrestlers winner comes to
tent and is given presents and cake, he goes back to the field, throws
backwards a piece of cake onto the roof of the tent.
In the
tent the Prince sits clad in yellow like Lama, very comical yellow hat with
red threads, on throne with dragon design, huge mass of cakes before him,
and his son on his left with a smaller number of cakes, amount, column (like
shortbread), depends on importance.
The
Jockeys wear red Buddhist wheel on bright yellow shirt, and bri11iant red
kerchief on head. Fermented Mare’s milk is the number one drink, the
Champagne of Mongolia, horrible.
Chinese dishes, Lotus seeds, Bamboo sprouts, seaweed, shark’s fin, dates,
mutton in soup, about 20 different soups.
Jones
- “What is the Princes Mongolian name?”
Erskine - “The Princes name is sacred, and must not be uttered, a son or
daughter must not say the name of a parent, thus it would be blasphemy to
say his name, he is known yang Yi, The Prince.
Theory
- The Mongols are Scots, or Scots are Mongols. First Shortcake, 2nd
Wrestling like Scots games, 3rd Mongolia, 4th Thistles, 5th The
Grouse.
One
old ruffian has a sixpenny bit, Queen Victoria, attached to his pigtail as
an ornament.
Wrestling, very good sport, no quarrelling as to decision, a grin when
defeated. Very religious, every wrestler prayed after a fight, hands in
prayer by tent, also prayed before the fight, other Mongol held hat on his
head while he prayed. If he won the wrestler bowed before a rainbow.
The
Yurt next to ours is closed and guarded by a soldier, it contains the seal
of the Prince.
Mongol
boy, pleasant face, comes up and pulls the hair on my hand, pulls hair of my
knee, then draws the zip of my shirt to see hair on my breast.
After
wrestling the winner goes to the Prince, receives lump of tea (block),
dances up and down, prays on knees, bows with head on ground, also gets blue
scarf and money
Winning person has Swastika branded on him, what would Hitler say!
The
arrival of the Prince, the feast, clocks. The Obo and the ceremony throwing
the rice, throwing flour. The Yurt Altar, three gold Buddhas, on each side,
offering and raising dates, sweets, dried prunes. Cylinders for the prayer
in glass case with gilt dragons above and fish below. Piece of yellow cloth
hangs down and blue silk tapestry, picture of Panchen Lama with little hairy
fluffy dog (like a Sealyham). On side of painting of Buddha with four hands,
(two folded and two outstretched), arising out of a Lotus flower.
Box
full and Horse turns at the entrance, fireplace in the middle, no window
except at top.
Talk
with Mongol officer who speaks Russian, and was in artillery college in
Moscow.
“People in Urga are discontented, there are still bread cards there. Two
years ago there was a big rising. The Soviets fought against the Lamas and
the Princes, and the people don’t like the economy plans. Perhaps there will
be a revolt, there are many there who want to join a big Mongolia. I am a
nationalist, I believe in a big united Mongolia, with Outer Mongolia,
Manchukuo Mongolia and free Mongols. Prince Teh Wang is a great man, and I
hope he will be the leader of a united Mongolia”.
“If
there’s a war, we will be in a bad position. If the Russians win then we
will lose all, the Princes will be crushed and Lamas broken. If the Japs
win, they will set up a great Mongolia, but it will be enslaved by Japan. We
are in a difficult position. We don’t like the Chinese nor the Japanese nor
the Russians. The Russians will give in on all hands, they know they are too
weak, and they will yield to the Japs for at least two years.”
Russian Chauffeur - “In the last two months, lots of Chinese have been
leaving Urga and returning to China, coming to Kalgan, because it is too bad
in Outer Mongolia” He jokingly said, “Because it’s too good there, it’s
better in China”.
* *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This version should be at the end of the diary but comes in the center
where Gareth placed it.
Dolonor - We arrive over Mountains 9.45 Thursday July 25th.
Streets are guarded on each corner, many houses, by Soldiers with fixed
bayonets. Mud Houses, we came through the West gate, (not guarded). Poppy
field just outside, lanterns in streets.
Came
to the Inn, the room was papered in Chinese account books, smell of Opium,
fire stove in middle and Opium boiling by man, who, every now and then
drained it through leaves or filter. The man had no hair, a bald shaven
head. Anatole was worried “I’ve no visa” I laughed Manchukuo, indeed
everybody knows that this is Chaha province, China Then Müller said “I’ve
just heard that this became Manchukuo 2 days ago. - The Japs have also
occupied Kangpao, on the Kalgan Urgo road, Kuyan and Paochang. The Innkeeper
says they intend to occupy Kalgan about August 15th, about 40,000 troops
have assembled not far away, 28 Lorries and Soldiers arrived today30
expected tomorrow. Many troops have gone South West.
“The
Japs have already opened 3 Brothels here”. We looked at the Opium, “That’s
the first thing they introduce, legal Opium, but not for the Japs, funny
they haven’t got Heroin Traders yet, but that will come”.
Good
supper - Meat, Omelette etc, but sickly smell of Opium - Opium smoking room
next door, the Inn, Mud Huts broken down, Soldiers and barbed wire outside.
Friday 26 July - Müller says “Lucky you don’t wear A.O.F.B also, or the
Japs would think you were the Anti Oriental Fighting Brotherhood.
Got up
late, walked streets full of Japs and Manchukuo Flags.
Müller
- “One is Manchu flag, is the old Republican flag, slightly changed, thats
why I think they want to hold China”.
Kalgan
will be a preparation for an independent North China, and an independent
Mongolia, and there are very few Mongols here.
Went
for a walk, smells, to river, sand everywhere, flags. Saw skins being dipped
and soaked in the river, one fine dog skin. One Corn or Rice place, Donkey
(eyes wrapped round with a cloth), and horse going round and round, they get
blind threshing.
Many
troops on Kalgan road. Went for a walk on arriving, Lantern on wall and
papered with Manchurian and Japanese flags crossed everywhere, Jap and
Manchurian flags with more Japanese Flags, then Müller heard music, went
through room, smell of Opium, Opium smokers one room, making more Opium in
the other room, smell of Opium in the streets, Theatre crowds on one side in
the open air, God save Manchukuo soldiers, officers. Lots of sing song
girls, saw Jap soldiers.
Last entry
*
* * * * * * * *
Monday, early morning haze over Mongolia, sentry snoozes, at the palace
sentry sings a Mongolian song reading it from Mongolian writing. Women squat
on the floor arranging the Silver headdress, Swallows fly, Priests squat
facing the sun. Boy with crooked legs strolls about, Passed Japanese
hospital, its increased in size over the last 3 months. 4 long low buildings
and Gasolene Tanks 3 were being built, this is where the Japanese planes
land.
There
are no Chickens or Pigs in Mongolia. Went to the Telegraph Office. Last
Chinese before coming to Russia, Camels are terrified by the shadow of
aeroplanes. Petty in a Chinese car has gone to the city. Followed tracks,
two Antelope like skeletons of Cattle.
Parts
of Gobi Desert, thyme, beautiful scent, sudden descent 12Oft, ridges and
plains stretching for miles. River, but not on map, uncharted land, except
perhaps for the Jap military maps. Bumps, Eagles, fine birds, Sacred
Mountain had to go long way round. Started out about 5. 30 from Beidzemiao
to Utchimutchin, (many ways of
pronouncing, Mongolian very different). This is also a sacred mountain, and
we must go a long way round.
At
night Anatole was scared, on and on, how far from the Soviet frontier? I’m
afraid they’ll shoot, I have no documents.
Skeleton of Camel, all maps are bad, distances are wrong, everything.
Russian woman is coming, the Lama’s say that the presence of a women is
responsible for the downpour of rain, and are sending her away.
The
Pekinese Pug
Japanese Rep and Kwangtung army are very polite and friendly and hospitable,
offer us a room.
Beidzemias - streets with mud houses. Abaga, Mongolia.
20
Japs are in Beidzemias, Doctors, Officers etc, 17 in Tehwangfoo, one Jap
with beard like sailor in the 18th Century, or like Karl Radek.
Offered Mares milk, gave razor blade to lama,
accident to car, lamas come in car.
Wednesday 17th July - Description visit to living Buddha Diluwa
Smile
good teeth, intelligent, red silks, beads salmon. 17 x 22 down, Copper 200
in each, 480,000, 6 lots. Wooden floor, cheap mirror on wall. Butter like
cream to be put in tea, took it in tea with Mares milk.
Brilliantly designed door, 4 Blue squares on top each in Chinese picture. 3
Chinese wall paintings, Chinese spirits and temples, room for 22 to sit
around the wall, 2 windows with glass looking on court.
Section in German
Living
Buddha - Diluwa
40 -
50,000 fleeing from Outer Mongolia, most were not able to rescue much of
their property, at the most 1 - 2 Camels or Horses, only their riding
animals.
Certain amount in German
They have twice money received from Nanking, of $20,000 and another $10,000,
but such a small sum is not enough.
Section in German
Who
had given Camels and Keeps horses, but there remains much to be done, very
little work has been done, even by the princes. In some districts each
Alaskan they even tried to raise taxes to use. The Living Buddha puts masses
of Mongol butter in my tea, he has a sense of humour, he doesn’t sit on his
throne, but on the side. On the table in front of the lower throne there is
a yellow purse with a red and green design. Tells brown beads all the time.
Priests come with gift of silk, Bright blue, deer - red brown in rolls
Sec in dark brown long robe. One wall painting showed 18th century
French influence, and there is a wooden floor.
Was
trying to stand up for them, and get them freedom from taxes.
Section in German
Some
have Yurts, some tents, but very bad for in some have to sleep in tent
or more and the poverty among them is
terrible - little house utensils, and they have only a small pot. “When
come?” “They have come since 1931 - some are coming in 1931”. “Why then in
1931?” “Because then they started to bring in really Communist ideas.” “Did
they take the herds?” “The herds were confiscated. They must fight their way
through by indirect ways, secretly, they had a difficult time to escape the
guards.” “Are any lamas? Is there real oppression?” (among them was one of
the Lama leaders, who is also the living Buddha) - “The battle yet really of
very strength, half of the riders are Lama’s, those who openly support the
communists only did it from force.”
Estimate that 1 out of 300 are Communist. (Lama peep through door) wall
paper, why no wall paintings, blue thistle on white background.
1910 -
1911 National movement in Outer Mongolia, had first succeeded and the
Mongolian National Government rose with the design to have whole of Mongolia
and the Outer Mongolian Tro0ps then occupied the whole of Inner Mongolia -
Only under the pressure and under advice of the Imperial Russia. Government
plans. Urga not given up and war limited to the organisation of Outer
Mongolia.
If now
today Outer Mongolia exists alone it has not tried to gain influence in the
Inner Mongolia. It is the influence of the same Russian policy which the
Bolsheviks have copied following the Tsarist methods.
“Have
the Bolshois not tried to Bolshevise in Inner Mongolia?”
(Lamas
peep through the windows like Schoolboys) “They have not tried to make any
attempts, any Bolshoi ideas here have to come from China. The Bolshois do
not want a united Mongolia under Bolshoi control.”
Face
pocked wristwatch, leather boots, green lining and toes turning up. Box with
bucket with Mares milk, big kettle.
In
1928 as the Communist Government was put up in Urga, the Communist idea was
very strong, unused to Mongolian Nationality, and many people from Inner
Mongolia went to Urga, to find out what Communism meant, and were impressed
by the imaginative Communism Nationality. In the next year there was however
a £chistka[sic] and their nationalistic ideas were scorned and pure
communism brought in. Since then there is a sharp division between Inner and
Outer Mongolia, very different but there is some interchange of ideas.
One of
the Japanese rode past in brilliant Mongol dress, fine Mongol saddle, Blue
silk, little black skull cap and button on top.
Müller
says “A lot of them do it, much more comfortable, and they think it makes
them more popular”
Japs
are busy leaving Mongolian books on the table. Met the Chauffeur of the
Living Buddha, Yellow leather cap - 4 days stuck in mud in robber district,
300 from living people, Mongol. The living Buddha wanted to know what day of
the week it was, Muller had forgotten and had to look.
Russian lady in car - “The Mongols are terrified of the Japs, they said
there was no snow last winter because the Japs were here. They dread the
aeroplanes because Japs once took a skeleton away or boxes for a museum or
research work. They have fantastic legends about the aeroplanes. They’re
terrified of the work done by the Japs, and they believe that the cutting up
of dead bodies will bring a curse to the land. They will not go to the Jap
Doctors, they are afraid, they would rather die than go to a Jap Doctor. The
Buriats are willing to go. Muller “They would rather go to Dr Erikson”.
A
Mongol leader went to Dairen to speak with the Japs, when he came back his
men were afraid. The priests are especially afraid, and say that the coming
of the Japs will bring evil to the land.
We
went very slowly from Beidzemias to the land of the Buriats, lovely grass
with flowers, much better than the sand we went through on the way to
Beidzemias. More people also arrived at the camp of Prince Otcheroff, Buriat
who speaks perfect Russian. What a wonderful view, blue hills in the
distance, (30 or so miles) over the border of Manchukuo. Soviet Mongolia is
about 110 miles to the North. Russia says Prince came here after the
Revolution, but the Mongols would not give him land, he came to the Mongols
and started telling them of their history, of Genghis Khan, what the Mongols
did 1500 years ago. They were amazed and became friendly, he went to the
Panchen Lama, who said there was some free land, and gave his permission for
the prince to live there.
The
plain green, and sun, blue hills in the distance stretching to Russia. When
we came the horsemen went to fetch sheep to be killed for the feast tonight,
we could see the flock far away a perfect white.
Went
into the Yurt of Prince, big and perfectly clean, even had a bed, Altar with
a number of silver cups and photographs of Lamas. The prince is huge,
massive speaks perfect Russian, studied law at Petrograd before the war,
amazing coincidence, had met Müller in Petrograd in 1911.
The
Buriats are much cleaner than the Mongols, they have beautiful milk, butter
and milk, had a fine bowl of milk. Otcheroff invited us in, Brandy and
Vodka. Suddenly he started to make a political speech to me “You were the
secretary of Lloyd George, he is a vigorous old lion, he must come to help
us Mongols, we are of the finest race in world. Under Genghis Khan we
conquered half the globe, what do we see? We see that parts of Russia like
Latvia and Lithuania, who were mere provinces are now independent nations,
while we are still scattered and under submission, we who received the
tributes of Russian Princes, we conquered Moscow and have had Russians as
our Slaves.”
“What
do we want?” “We want to become an independent nation under the protection
of the League of Nations, we want England to help us, for England could
guarantee an independent Mongolia under the league of nations and is the
right arm for defence of India”.
“You
have seen we are a dying people, perhaps we cannot be saved, but we know
that we are doomed if the Japs or the Russians or the Chinese dominate us.
We hate the Japs they want to control us. We want to be free. The Chinese
are to weak and have been bribing some of the Mongols with money and gifts.
The Japs have been doing the same. We have four alternatives, China, Japan,
Soviet Russia or ourselves. We must choose ourselves, but the princes are
scattered in this area.
Teh
Wang he’s no good, he is too friendly with the Japs”.
Went
out - Müller is tight, played with the dogs, came back to Otcheroff’s Yurt,
he was red in the face and drunk, “You’ve insulted me” he cried “You from
England, German, Russian come and you and the Germans leave me and the
Russians remain”. He wants to go on with his speech, “The Japanese they lie,
want a grip over the country” they began drinking toasts. Candle door,
candle out to the glory of Buriats to an independent Mongolia, then Koster
for a joke says “Well here’s to the Japs” and drinks.
I did
not grasp for several minutes what was happening, suddenly shrieked to
Shuskin, What, you drunk health of Japs, No. Otcheroff (terrible temper) You
son of a ---- Mother, great fury terrible cursing in Russian, “I did not say
so” all join in, “You are a traitor to your country, the Japs beat you in
1905, yet you drink their health, they are now trying to choke the Mongols
and you drink their health”. Shushkin said nothing, it’s Koster, “You lie,
You lie, You said it you are a traitor”. Poor Shushkin controlled himself,
“I’m going, thank you for your hospitality”. “Come back you’re afraid, you
know you drank to the health of the cursed Japs” Shuskin came back and very
dignified comes and sits next to Otcheroff, “Look I’m a Russian Officer”
Otcheroff breaks in “Yes, yes a Russian Officer and you drink the health of
the enemies of the Mongols, the people who are trying to smash our Buriats,
You son of a Red”, shouts, perspires, draws sleeves almost going to hit,
wife tries to stop him, no good. We leave.
Outside terrific lightning toward Manchukuo, and also from the North, lights
up Sheep who are huddled together Neureutz winds, tents rattle, and so to
bed.
The
Japs are building Barracks says Kulagen, in Beidzemias, all expect that the
Japs will soon send troops. Kulagen also says the one reason Otcheroff got
the land with a tribe, was a robber Mongol to the East, and that they would
steal cattle until Otcheroff took offensive and stole some of their cattle
and captured their men, he cut them open and hid their bodies. When Mongols
cannot find any traces of bodies, they become terrified, presumably because
they are afraid of the spirits.
Kulagen “In 100 years Mongol will be dead, the spread of disease is
terrific, and the chief cause is Lamaism, it leads to lack of young men to
work and husbands, the girls have not enough husbands to go round, and they
sleep with the Lamas. But Lamas do not found a family, therefore there is no
link to keep the girl to one man, and the whole basis of family is wrecked,
she goes from one man to another and catches a disease. The Lamas in
Beidzemias are not all diseased. They will not go to Doctors and hate the
Japanese, they blamed the presence says wife for plague which attacked the
cattle. They believe that the Japs are cruel. Here they believe the Japs
will come to raise taxes.
They
bring bad news from Manchukuo, Mongols come from there, carrying wood and
they are furious because they have to serve in the army because they hate
the Japs. In Manchukuo there’s great discontent against the Japs, the leader
who went from here to Hsingking returned dissatisfied, and since then all
have been loudly cursing the Japs.
They
hear an example of how the Japs have beaten and killed the Drivers etc, and
that the Japs pay no attention to the rights of the population.
Teh
Wang has many opponents who accuse him of being too Pro -Japanese, but they
have to be forced to work with the Japs.
I have
talked with people coming from Russia - The attempt to collectivise has led
to a great decline in Cattle conditions, they are much worse than here, but
the Bolshevists have done great things. They have smashed Lamaism - There
would be no revolt in Outer Mongolia, because the reds have the machines and
the Aeroplanes. I don’t think Mongolia can be saved. The Lamas are too
strong. The people have no idea that they have no children because of
Veneral Disease. The husband blames the wife, and takes other women,
spreading the disease still further. This came about, the people, there is
only one child, Otcheroff has no grandchildren, though his daughter and son
are married.
The
old Russian policy was not to go too far in Mongolia - Shansi offered the
Tsar to become part of Russia’s Empire, but the Tsar refused, thinking It
would bring so many backward people into Russia, and would not be able to
give attention to the others, just the same today. Soviet ambitions do not
go beyond Outer Mongolian borders, they have no need to, they know that
Inner Mongolia is not so rich as Outer Mongolia, from which they draw a
profit every year. The land here is good for Wool.
To
Save Mongolia,
1)
Abolish Lamanism
2) Bring Hospitals
3) Start Schools
4) Teach about disease
No one
here has any desire to join with Pu Yi, it is foolish to say that the
Mongols look up to him as the descendant of the former Emperor. The leaders
realise that he is the puppet of the Japanese, that he is their prisoner and
to swear allegiance to him would be the same as swearing allegiance to
Japan. When you say that perhaps the Mongols would be loyal to Pu Yi you
have been listening to Japanese propaganda.
An
acrobatic Goat marched in on it’s front legs, back legs in the air.
To
Utchimuchin, in the wedge between Manchukuo and Outer Mongolia. About 35 - 40
Miles from Manchukuo, and about 25 Miles from Soviet, Mongolian Frontier.
Silingol League 3 hours and 10 minutes stuck in River, Mongols in other
lorry very friendly and worked wonderfully, they had been stuck in the sandy
mud - days, sunset, dogs barking.
River
Junjiri Bridge - Barunjiri
Friday - Utchimuchin, tricks before Lamas, amazed, then went for walk to
Temple, saw doorways, laughing skulls they roared. (Paintings White upon
Red), rows of them, I decided to Photo them later. Heard Lamas blowing horn
on balcony. I tried to climb up, but Lama came terrified and barred the way.
Saw Sundial, but it was covered with a sheet of wood to keep the Sun away,
obviously a very great treasure.
Went
to the Yamen, though the Japanese occupied it, leading Jap in Yurt was a man
of great charm, fine teeth, tuft of beard, brilliantly humourous eyes. They
had a wireless there. Into room came Mongol, on purse was a Nazi design,
with swastika, black on white with a red border square, Jap said he had been
here since March and had not had a bath. He was having great difficulty with
the superstitions of the people. Japs making very little headway, he could
not hunt because the Lamas feared that the Guns disturbed the spirits of the
Mountains, he could not dig because Mongols believed it wrong to disturb the
surface of the Earth, he had not even had the chance to speak to the Prince.
Mongolia, is a hopeless job.
I
strolled in the Yamen, and came to School with 4 youngsters now writing
Chinese and Mongolian script. There was a picture of Emperor Kang Te, most
elegantly and faddishly dressed in morning dress ‘come to Jesus’, button
collar, striped trousers 2 flags of Manchukuo painted on it. There is also a
propaganda poster for a Mongol feast in Manchukuo, probably under Japanese
auspices, Wrestling, Riding, Singing etc. Mothers invited to bring children
to Doctors, there very good. Came back and made towards the Temple. A
terrified Lama saw me and rapidly tried to bar the door, I tried to push my
way in, but a lot of Lamas collected, they looked menacing. The push of the
Lamas shutting the door was strong and I had to give way. I went to
Photograph a Lama who became alarmed and shouted me off, so I failed to
photo the laughing skulls. Tried to enter other buildings, man with a rifle
came to stop me and the Lamas, shouted threateningly, never seen such a
suspicious place. Japs quite right.
From
Utsimuchen furrows so deep that the lambs are sheltering out of the wind.
Flowers, Irises, mauve Marguerites.
Jones - “The Japs do not feel themselves strong
enough here to risk war with Russia yet, they have not built roads, they
have not built wells. In a campaign now, they would have risked a Mongol
stab in the back. Thus Russian/Japanese war unlikely for some time.
Japs
have not enough men yet who know Mongolia. When Takahashi says when the
trouble begins, he means a long time hence.
Mongol
comes, blows the horn, joins children loves silver paper from Cheese, or
from Camera film. Again at the Buriats, the laughing Lama, ‘where is
London?’ The setting Sun, tickled by trick with paper.
Orepol - We are an old people, we are like the old man in the Yurt whose
family says “Well he’s going to die” what we want is to be independent and
live
We are
against Japs for the following reasons.
A) 1)
In Manchukuo they have fought against Princes and introduced the elective
principle. The Princes are dissatisfied there.
2) In
Manchukuo they are fighting against the Lamas and are trying to destroy
them. Thus both the Lamas and the Princes are against the Japanese Policy.
3) We have had refugees from Manchu who say
that they are ill-treated and the Japanese are cruel. The Mongols have had
their rifles taken away by the Japs, or have been forced to sell them for
$10 - $20. They love to hunt the Mongol and Manchu wolves etc. But the
Japanese have taken away the weapons.
4) We believe that Pu Yi is just a tool, no one believes in him.
What, an Emperor who is against the Princes and against the Lamas, or is for
the elective principle. There’s something wrong there for the Manchu
Emperors defended the Princes.
5) We fear the Japs will try to smash the Lamas here and that they
will try to smash the Princes here, as they’ve done in Manchukuo. The Lamas
are afraid of new buildings which they have put up in Beidzemias.
B) We are against the Chinese for the following reasons:
1) They are taking away our land by colonization.
2) They also may want to hit the Princes and the Lamas.
3) The Nanking Government asked Princes to give up the Silver Seals,
which the Princes had received from the Manchukuo Emperor’s. They worship
those Seals, each Mongol Prince has it placed upon his altar. To an educated
European it may seem foolish, but we like to cling to our old habits. We
told the Nanking Government that we could not give up the Seals, that we
received them from the Manchukuo Emperors and not from the Nan King
Government.
We are
against Soviet Russia for the following reasons:-
1) Against the Princes and the Lamas.
2) Collectivisation, they took 45 out of 50 of a mans Cattle away.
3) Refugees come and tell us of bad conditions there.
We
have too many Lamas there, when we have an independent Government, we will
have Schools and Hospitals, Teh Wang will be our leader.
One
Mongol Prince, in order to decrease the Lamas is going to have exams in
Tibet, those who fail have to leave Lamaism, and become Soldiers.
Saturday. Prince of East, ‘Sunnit’. Heard first Baby wailing amazing
sound.
Camped
out by the Well. On the trail of the living Buddha. Chinese girl with
buttons for Gentleman.
Dolonor see middle Beidzemias, Lapsong (?Pao Chang} - Dolonor, lost way
stuck in mud often, slept in a yurt, host offered his wife also in other
place. Chinese colonization,
1) Chickens,
2) Donkeys,
3) Ploughed Land, Buck Wheat, Potatoes.
4) Morality, I approached women and bowed, but Müller said very
wrong, must not speak to
women. Chinese villagers of street very little disease.
5) No Pigtails, some women small feet,
(came
across Peking Camels, where do Camels go in summertime.)
DR H.
MŰLLER, 13 PAN CHANG, HUTUNG, HOUMEN, WAN.
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