Spanning a century of memories--the ninth chapter (bottom) _z5485

Chapter XXIX Embassy in Niger (below) in the spring of 1980, the Nepalese side at a Conference, a black active over and I warm handshake, greetings, and general communication is different, as if greeting old ones looks familiar, but I wanted to do not know, some hesitation.

Others see this introduction to the initiative, said that he was a man named Muhammad Niger · Tower (the name is very long, you can only remember the first few words), travelled to China in 1959, is a student delegation visit. The visit to China visited many places, most pleased by Marshal, Deputy Prime Minister, still retains those precious photos. As he said, I remember twenty years ago, at that time did received a delegation of the European student, I talked with them. I never imagined in Niger and who visited 20 years ago one of the young accident, everyone is very happy to talk to. But at the reception if you and talk alone for too long, I'm afraid it will be left out of other friends. We agreed to meet some time. He said he was a civilian, reluctant to agree to and from the Embassy, so in a non-official public meetings with specific matters by his commitment, he said that in his hometown should be arranged. I respect African pride, not to be ashamed. A few days later, we promise to meet with his first asked me all these years, apparently want to enquire about my "cultural revolution" in how to spend. I frankly told him, 20 years is short and heavy, I along with the development of the Republic, and of course every step forward will undergo training and tests. His nod, no longer ask, then talk to your own situation, he said that 20 years ago he had studied law at the University in Niger, and later to Paris to study. Just like entering another world that saw a busy and decadent capitalism, various thoughts, theories are put together, mutual understanding students together to discuss, listen to radio, read Chinese news. The Chinese revolution, the Chinese leader Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai, Zhu de and other people's "magic" of step by step to attract them, and magic. But today's China policy, in particular the premier Zhou Enlai tirelessly on a visit to Africa, announced that support and real cash to support African countries for national independence, democracy and freedom, fighting for equal rights. They are increasingly interested in and feel however the only listen to the message, it is best to go to China to see in person, they also have some special forces of resistance and intimidating, but they do not give back. Opportunities here, international students organization China Mission, they speed up registration and finally happy to get to the long-expected China, had great significance for a few weeks, visited the Chinese history, the history of the revolutionary struggle, went on a tour of the exhibition Palace, the great wall, Tiananmen Square. Marshal interview make this visit to a peak. Marshal said to them, China was in the building, there is also a difficult, not to blow his own horn, but we are confident and determined. Also, one must learn to look at the ten fingers, but do not only look at one, must be good at growing up in difficult struggle, to grow and develop. They came back to Paris from Beijing, shortly after the members have scattered back to their respective countries. Back in China, Mohammed · Tower always wanted, in accordance with the present situation of Niger's economic and geographical situation, do they? only armed struggle in such a way as to succeed? success and he just imagine it?, a different manner to participate in social reform, trying to find suitable ways of their own country. Now friends, relatives are advised him to go to an official, and the Government of Niger's poverty and backwardness, you really need him. He also asked the officials in the Government of the people, most of them have felt anguish that can not only of their own. Therefore Muhammad · tower was determined not to go to the Government, in order to use their own knowledge, he tried to do some social needs. Mohammed · Tower finished these, ask my opinion. Because African countries is complex, but also because of my identity, I can only briefly principles and said, according to different circumstances and position status, do things in favour of the interests of the people, will be favoured. On this he nod. Finally, Muhammad · tower to promote the development of relations between China and Nepal, he candidly said that China's African policy is to be seen, touched, Zhou Enlai visited Africa, Africans will understand. On the development of relations between China and Nepal we all felt very satisfied, you will be successful here. But you facing a very poor and backward, natural conditions, difficulties in many countries, you will encounter some problems may not come from the Government, which is bestowed by the nature of some serious difficulties, this is sandy, drought and water scarcity. I sincerely thank you for. And this friend accidentally meet and talk, so I truly feel his deep feelings about China, he studied the experience of the Chinese revolution, chose him since that is consistent with the activities of the national conditions of Niger, greater demonstrate the premier Zhou Enlai and the teachings of Comrade Chen: dont imposed, to respect their own choice of accord with reality. We then youth masses diplomatic activities in strict compliance with these instructions, and achieved very good results. Governmental diplomacy must get their help and support, including criticism. Mohammed · tower are talking about the situation in Niger is also realistic, I work at, to understand the important content. Since 1980, and has nearly 30 years, in between the turning point, my friend, and now Niger live? Niger central province, County, village, with a complete set of government agencies. But also the existence of "traditional chiefs system." This is centuries exist in Africa, one ruling dynasty of the system at that time. The Niger social infrastructure and social basis. In Maradi, I called on the Nepalese East of traditional chiefs--Sudan. Official visit to the Palace. The so-called Palace is actually filled with soil barrier used as a soil caves, astronomer and walls on hanging milletBig Ear, sorghum, garlic, red chilli, and cattle and sheep head, bird feathers, etc. Walls painted with white lime on the Moon and the stars. The captain symbol of its powers of holding a scepter, a spacious white robes, barefoot, sits in the shop with skins of loess sediments on the throne. A CCK is barefoot reclined in princes, this is a sign of the Palace hierarchical, including meals, etc. are also required under his feet and not more than him. He Ambassador visits to China. In turn pale, I call it describes some of the traditional chiefs. He said that traditional chiefs is inherited from the past, how many years of experience, no writing, no one can say unequivocally. Not elected and non-government appointments, but inherited his father's position in this seat. In his current position, in nothing but a very close relationship between the current Government and the local Government to respect him, some important activities also invited him to participate in or comments. In the evening, at the Conference held in the provincial government, he sits in a prominent position. He was in Paris University wanted studied law, because of his father's death had to abandon their studies inherited serving. From the heart that he is not willing to do it, but people have welcomed him back when the leader, also had to do. I asked him about the traditional chiefs of the existence and future. He said that traditional leaders is not empty shelves, as in the past, there are many things to do, his direct leadership of several offices, management of production, education, livestock, marriage, religious, debt, funeral services and mediation in civil disputes, are civil, criminal matters, because he has no right to mobilizing the military police. People used to have something to find traditional chiefs, and reluctant to find local government officials. Its jurisdiction area still follow the tradition of the past, beyond the provincial boundaries of national borders, now. Neighbouring Northern Nigeria's traditional rulers also transcends national borders, border management side of things, such mutual boundaries to collaborate on something. We all think this is a legacy of the past, and legitimate, raised no objection. In fact the Niger and Nigeria border residents have always been free, free trade, marriage, wedding, both Governments have never been restricted. They are the same people, same ancestors, only the colonialists hard it divided into two States. It is understood that there now Niger and the Princes of equal status for a total of four traditional rulers, their distribution in the East, with distinction in their respective areas of jurisdiction. After the end of the visit, the traditional chiefs get me out of his palace to the door of sand soil, have gathered here for the crowd immediately Exult to Africans unique sharp tone throat cheering, dance, drum, and dance edge here, means the day means, chanted slogans, time sand fly, scenes fun. It is said that this is a traditional leader appears a traditional welcome way, people to see traditional chiefs to honour the mouth shouting is said to have proclaimed blessed. This shows that the traditional chiefs in the masses have a considerable impact. The traditional chiefs of the organizational structure, from the grassroots up including the Mayor, Mayor, Governor of the province of Sudan, as well as the descendants of these family adventure. These large and small chiefs, actually make up the traditional chiefs of the administrative system, France had to outlaw the colonizers, weaken not. After the military regime in power, more attention to that system, be maintained, and the Sudan, Mayor, Governor of the province consists of traditional chiefs Association, participation in national political and economic activities. Traditional chiefs in Niger this living scattered like, economically and culturally backward countries, essentially religious forces (Islam), regime and the gens of concentrated on behalf of the elders, have traditional status and profoundly influence and appeal. I have and traditional chiefs Association President, the Secretary-General, the provincial Governor of the province, the Sudan, the old distinction had contacts and conversations, thus increasing the knowledge about perception. The Government of Niger to promote livestock development, annual harvest later, 10-11, directly led by Central Government held a "Festival" in cattle and sheep. Autumn in the desert on the weeds with grain, cattle, sheep, horses, donkeys are obese, with an annual output of xiaozai also grew, cattle and sheep thrive in good season. Holiday period from the President, General, Government Ministers, Governor of the location, mayors, County officials, such as size of diplomats, representatives of international organizations are invited to attend. Have arrived from all over the country's large number of cattle and sheep, flocked paraded through the rostrum. Shepherd's cry, cry, yell sheep cattle locks na sound, mixed with the sound of the flute, cattle and sheep on the sand mixed with sheep manure odor was asked musical chairs with me the scene, the scene was an exception, there are a variety of activities such as the cockpit. After the end of the inspection, the competent authorities under the cattle and sheep to load, obesity, Rodeo is doing its job, give different incentives to promote better next year. The cattle and sheep Festival is the history from nomadic period down to a traditional festival, mainly contributed to more careful pasture for grazing. In General, tropical flowers and lush trees should be, and many birds. But the very hot, arid in Niger, Sandy on birds is brutally torn! often have dropped as a result of bird deaths, thirst or even animals have died due to the thirsty, this phenomenon I have seen. Many birds stand at Buffalo back pecking, pedestrians or Shepherd children get along with it, I don't see any harm to the birds. Roadside was not high on the twig cross hanging many beautiful delicate nest, which is a kind of woven birds use clever tip, with the toughness of long leaves carefully woven into, hanging in the trees in the wind, are likely to be reached, but no changes are pedestrians or nearby Shepherd children are not going to destroy it, in their mind this is a sacred bird's nest. I once went to Niamey homes near a hospital visit, several tall tree, the branches with the size and differing bird's nest, the Crow, Hi que, mahjong and a white and larger birds all according to their position, competing chorus call. We are rare, juggle, asked this question that. While the master is used, introduced to us the names of these birds, patiently to clean the floor of manure, keep the yard clean. Near the River, but the host is placed in the courtyard has a flourishing water basin, from time to time to see some birds down to drink water, around us, birds have no fear, this is a wonderful sight! thing is small, but the performance of the master on birds of sincere love. African people love nature, caring for the birdsAnd other wild animals, I admire them from the heart, good and noble character. Local Muslim, degree, compared to a free, open, to the Church is not very strict, I get from domestic Islamic Association some Koranic foreign and Chinese, representative of the Islamic Association gave them, and they are very grateful for the gifts in her arms, her forehead and top with a loud voice, saying, to learn the truth to the East. Drought threatens survival, social progress, Niger has no industry, no mines, no oil. Cultural aspects, have not seen the large schools, young people go to France to University, secondary schools, primary schools is very low. Different regions and different tribes are storytellers, history and culture are spread by storytellers, from astronomical, down to the geographic, omniscient, tribe is prestigious. The content is primarily about past heroes and history, these people become local cultural traditions of the inheritors, disseminators. I had the idea to collect material from them, collate, you can write the history of Niger. I had seen during his historical works in Niger. I've read about Africa in British and American history books are written by journalists and other foreigners. In Niger were thinking about our writing the history of Africa, this proposal has been formally to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, head of Africa dafei Deputy Ministers are in favour of the Deputy Director of the Research Office of the US Embassy Xun heart strong comrades, editor-in-Chief of a brief history of the Niger, the Foreign Ministry approval and praise. Due to work reasons, I've been to the North, in the provincial capital near the ancient trees become visible silicified petrified Woods, branches is bulky, visible here, it was a tree, climate humid place. The local people along welcoming, drum, dance, I was deeply moved. Local officials praised China's assistance to China's expanding aid and long-term assistance to them. I thank them for the helped China's agriculture group, I wish in long-term friendship. Here the mountain terrain and Algeria along the border to the North, is the gateway to the North of the channel, the camel team, Pacers all year round. Nearby hillside produced uranium is the bomb materials. Niger is one of the world uranium ore, uranium deposits total reserves estimated 26.5 million tons, the reserves of the fourth largest in the world. I visited the uranium ore, pumping water from the mine, the nearby Knoll, some tall trees, distant looks like a conifer, I thought it was a pine, near see discovered is broad, in order to avoid sun exposure, leaves curl up and reduce water evaporation. Mine workers are the local people, technical personnel are France, mineral products most France and Japan to buy go to become one of the important sources of foreign exchange in Niger. I take the lift down to the underground mines-400 meters, very cool, I spent most of the Niger and cool in the morning. There is a Museum near the slopes, there is a sea fish in the drugstore fossils, shells, it is said that there was previously a harbour, Museum, very few people go to see. Hillside has many similar glass stones, stones, possibly quartz, remember that in China shanong I have seen similar stones. Water scarcity is arid, eventide boundless yellow, occasionally encounter an oasis, eyes bright, mellow, once I and the translation of Chang and canchu Liu Qi comrades to Maradi, in road left flat land, far to see the green cover, thought it was a watermelon, his comrades said there's no water, grow a watermelon, approached only see is hoist, round, long handle, a variety of shapes. Niger people used to Sheng long grain, water, put in can be used when the spoon. There is also a small calabash can do musical instrument, dance is the small gourd tied legs, galloping up and looked inside the seed do. We have dedicated to a visit to the Wildlife Park, in South-East, Niger in the park for a night, the hotel is surrounded by grass around, above, added a canopy. We eat dinner time from the rubble of worms crawled out has climbed to our dinner table. Everywhere there is grass, one person. Visit the time visitors sitting in the car, a wizard, the way security officers, management is very strict. The next day we depart very early, go for a long time, but did not see any wild animal, just far see monkeys, they are very alert, a monkey in the higher point Lookout, to see who will issue a strange call, the monkeys get instead. In more remote areas have two elephants, this is my first time seeing the real wild animals. Every year, 4, 5 months after the first rain, all kinds of insects and soon, several hours you can see in Niamey urban streets dancing with various shapes of ants swarm, wings, to me the scene, the Group bands, and dancing Chinese spring catkins. Niger's termites are very serious problems, I have tried to put a stick in the ground, but two days there will be scouring the termites, visible devastating. Here's where conditions of people cover the housing are masonry as expected, doors and Windows with cement or steel and aluminium materials, to prevent termite damage. Africans have against termites, with Palm trees, termites chewing, but in recent years, combined with the arid lands, Palm tree resources depleted, this had increased to Niger. According to the actual observation has many well collapse, mostly because termites will shaft timber biting. I dig team in view of this, the construction of the shaft are used masonry cement, fundamentally guarantees quality. Despite the increased costs, but fundamentally resolve the scourge of termites. Niger is another large locust infestations, perennial hot, arid, although the coldest temperatures at night can be around zero, but the frozen dead worms. Every year, locust, occurs on a large agricultural hazards. Locust fly, much like the clouds drift over the number is referred to as air snitch. Locusts continue to fall to step on the road, people will fall, the need for timely cleaning, entire Niamey. I'm in Niger during their initial Government regime. Their government personnel in poor condition to do things is still very serious and very positive, or to the masses. I contacted individual province, part of the County, including some of the village-level government officials, their province, county governments, key personnel in the duration of treatment is not high, the Mayor of cadres can live public house, in fact, Tsuchiya, when the Government can move into residential, once you retire, surrendered, moved back to his home, not in use, it is their system. But have also seen some people only know that being an official, a House open two emptyTransfer, also with the Windows open to air convection, makes people feel more comfortable. But for the majority of people's lives, they do not know, these people come from the top. This society to progress to face many difficulties, natural disasters, environmental, economic, and cultural backwardness are reasons. It has been studied by the Chinese military, guerrilla, said to go back to rebel, but here is a piece of the desert, not crowded. Others stay in China, the children could support, when parents put the children back to Niger, the children ran to the medical team, see medical comrades called Grandma, said to eat Beijing bread, Chinese food, say Niger flies too much, health, or to go back to Beijing. If you want to change the child's mind is difficult, it is said that later turned the child back to Beijing. 1982, I returned home after the debriefing, arrived in Beijing to Africa, dafei, Deputy Minister and the Secretary's Office for reporting, respectively. Secretary to the Embassy on a cadre of learning, political and ideological work and cadres. I also participated in the diplomatic conference, mainly heard the comrade Hu Yaobang, was discussed. During the Conference, ' Notify me of updates to Division official Ambassador of Pakistan, in the 1 August arrived, I calculated the time, very nervous, I did not complete vacation ahead back to Niger, then internally sent a formal notice, I returned home, then a note verbale to the Government of Niger, I called conducted for departure. Remember in Niger nearly three years, the relationship between the two Governments are normal, our assistance is effective, the two countries do not have any arguments. The Niger Government has asked the us for its complement of guns, but no consent. Remember in Niger, in addition to the dry cement project off the matter, the other is the normal business dealings, the normal number of foreign representations, statements, or for some international issues of interpretation, and sometimes actively to the authorities and even the President explained. If Iran youth occupied the United States Embassy in Iran, attachment of Embassy personnel, according to the President for domestic direct and relevant departments, no detailed explanation because we don't understand in Niger. I say farewell visit from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to other departments, in particular the Ministry of agriculture, Ministry of health, they discussed again and our medical team, drilling teams that completed, will be completed, must be in the future and not things, they agreed. I bid farewell to the mission, called on Pakistan in Niger ambassadors must entertain me, usually we have a good relationship, he is familiar with the situation in Niger, some research. I was invited to go to the conversation he asked my next work somewhere? I still don't know the answer, he mysteriously laughs, you do not matter for me, you are to our countries. So saying, he took out Pakistan's newspapers, with my name, said Ambassador to Pakistan. I said, because not received formal appointment, so you can only have a message, but cannot be recognized. Apart from the outside, respectively called on a cool evening in the Niger River, the Embassy has also held a farewell reception, I stressed in his speech, where we enjoy the sunshine of the Niger and the Niger River, the cleanliness of the diplomatic corps is characterized by a continuous flow of people, who go to a new post, but our friendship is forever. The President called on the President in meeting with Conche is highly praised in friendly relations, to my medals of merit to recognize my work in Niger. The friendly people of Niger, some local China organizations and embassies often frequent travelling between the activities. I am here working and living for three years, did not feel the suffering, but are we on the African situation to know too little, not on African history in-depth understanding and research that does not have its own book. I deeply feel dry and diplomacy to deal with day-to-day duties, implementation of national policy, is correct, it should be resolutely carry out in-depth studies, however, should not be limited to the current political situation. Slightly possible, it should be an in-depth study of local history and culture, and the difference customs, in-depth research on Africa. My time in Niger, while not long, but impressed, I can see a corner of Africa, gradually understand Africa, extreme poverty, heat, drought, sand storms, infestations, Niger constantly overcome hardships for development. I left, but not forgotten, although difficult, to Niger is feeling, I wish the Niger to affluent people's life be better!, by bidding farewell to the Niger Air France in Paris, at the Embassy waiting for transfer to the CAAC, met former comrades in Italy Embassy, Deputy military attache to the Gram positive, now is the military attache, cultural Department of the acoustic beacon display, old and big Dong Ning-comrade, because his translation to that used for the old Government, old military service too, now become a counselor at the level of advanced translation, is a rare talent. There is also an enthusiastic daosheng comrades, is the original and largest, he arranged for me and here in visit in Paris, Fontainebleau, 90 kilometers to the Southeast, around 2500 hectares of forest, since this is hunting, summer resort, is the world famous cultural landscape that brings together paintings, sculpture, architecture, art, Museum, Palace of the Emperor of China Pavilion is the France of Napoleon III and Queen of Eugenie. The construction of the reason is very simple, just to keep stealing from the summer palace of the heritage – 1860 Anglo-French robbed and destroyed after the yuanmingyuan, invasion of the French Commander Meng Montauban looted from the summer palace of the so-called trophy presented to Napoleon III and Empress Eugenie. Currently, this collection of Chinese paintings, gold and silver jewellery, porcelain, censer, bells, precious stones and gold and silver has more than 3 million, almost can be said that the reproduction of the Winter Palace in the West. This 16th century palaces until the 19th century its renovation and expansion is not stopped, all periods of architectural styles have left its mark here, many famous architects and artists to participate in the France emperors Palace building. After the ride back to Chinese civil aircraft, aircraft, and the Chinese foreign aid workers on the same plane, they are very hard working abroad, but their behavior on the plane is truly disgusting, they smoke, drink beer, play, play cards, spit, in smog, loud noise, the cabin is just like the Chinese marketplace. I have no way to discourage them, adviseSaid that it would be useless. Aircraft air hostesses and I said that China's migrant workers are in this way, would have no use. According to Chinese Embassy personnel in law, Paris airport managers most headache is CAAC curbside place, after the departure of each flight on the ground floor of a garbage such as soot, plastic bags, sputum analysis, various abandoned goods more than elsewhere, Paris Airport cleaning staff side cleaning, whine, I see. Future Chinese international exchanges, for personnel going abroad, you should make the necessary international Protocol education, if not change, the impact on the international level. These are not within the scope of the diplomatic, but relates to the Chinese people's image problem, it now has nearly 30 years, still constantly heard Chinese people working abroad, travel to non-compliance with international etiquette, visible to improve the quality of our national, and international practice is never an easy thing. Here again the matter, because at that time gave me the impression is too deep. Back to Beijing, the weather is very hot. Then to go to Pakistan Embassy preparations.