Jews in Harbin fear the outbreak of a pogrom as the result of the Russian Chinese situation, Tass, Soviet News Agency, states.
Soviet officials who have arrived in Moscow today from Harbin, have informed the correspondent of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that there are persistent rumors that the White Guards are preparing for a pogrom against the Jews in Harbin. The Jewish population of Harbin, which takes this rumor seriously, is panic-stricken, and has sought the protection of the local authorities.
The number of White Guards in the city is increasing daily in preparation for an invasion of Soviet territory, it is stated.
The White Guards treat the Jews with the same arrogance that persisted under the old Czaristic regime. As a result many Jewish families are deserting Harbin.
The Chinese situation does not adversely affect the region of Bira Bidjan where the first Jewish Soviet Republic will shortly be formed according to a government announcement, inasmuch as Chabarovsk is now the important center for the transit of troops. It is believed that the Jews in Bira Bidjan may prefer to settle near the railway stations, and earn a livelihood as small traders, selling cigarettes and other articles to the troops who pass through.
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