Large Numbers Of Advisers Arriving In China

Chronicle (Levin), 29 December 1949, Page 5

Large Numbers Of Advisers Arriving In China

' (N.Z.P.A.—

-Reuter.

Covuriaht)

Received Thursday, 9.35 a.m. HONG KONG, Dec. 28. Russian military arid technical advisers were arriving in China by hundreds according to a Chinese journali§t who spent eight months ( under Communist rule in Nanking. The journalist, Mr. Chang- Kuo Shi, -who was manager of the United Pres's Bureau in Nanking when the Communists occupied the city on April 24 has just arrived in Hong Kong. He said it appeared that Russian military advisers were assisting in plan- • ning an invasion of Formosa, which, according to his Communist informants, could be expected by summer at the latest. These informants estimated that the Communists would be able to muster at least 100 planes and -30 warships, plus a picked force of 180,000 troops. The warships included former Nationalist ships which went over to the Communists. Mr. Chang said that the grow--ing Soviet influence on China was , one of the most striking changes i he had witnessed. He added that 1 fcecause of the restrictions which were placed on his movements he. did not see any Russians in operation. Mr. Chang said that most of the Soviet advisers, including engineers, were reported to be in Manchuria, 'but they. .had also been encoiintered in Shanghai and'as far south as Canton. One mission of about 72 Soviet railway engineers was attached to the Communist railway repair corps. Mr. Chang added that it was also reported that Russian advisers were attached to the Health Ministry in Nanking.