Refugees Flee East
Vyacheslav Kholomei, reporting from Red Army outpost and refugee processing center, Chita
Former Soviet citizens from European Russia and Central Siberia and other parts of the former Soviet Union have been fleeing the upheavals in their regions for many years. Now, the threat of Khitan domination has seen a record number of refugees streaming along the Transsiberian Railroad into Amurian Soviet territory. This year has seen 630,320 persons arriving, up from 220,310 last year.
This stream of immigration has strained Amur's resources to the limit, but the integration of refugees is nevertheless proceeding well, thanks to the selfless work and brilliant organizational skills of the leaders of the local and Republic Soviets, who can truly be said to be heroes of the people. Most of this year's refugees have already been settled, mostly in Manchuria, and their skills put to use to advance the nation. In some cases there is friction between the local inhabitants and newcomers, but most understand that this is an extraordinary time and that it is only through all working together that the happiness, prosperity and security of the people can be assured.
In more than one instance anti-social elements were mixed in with the incoming refugees, and attempted to gain entry into the Amurian Soviet Republic with the intent to destroy the people's socialist system. All refugees are therefore screened by border Red Army units. The vast majority of refugees are ordinary workers and peasants who are granted entry, but 15,310 persons were nevertheless detained in the last three months as false refugees. Some were immediately expelled, others confined to makeshift camps under armed guards near the border while their cases are reviewed.