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The Hua Shiang Pao alleged that Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek had invited the Japanese general Okumura, who has had long experience of fighting in China, to assist in conducting the campaign against the People's Liberation Army (the term always used by the Hua Shiang Pao in referring to the Communist forces).
The Wah Kiu Yat Po reported on June 18 that the Democratic League was about to launch another peace movement. The League also intended to contest the coming general election in opposition to the Kuomintang, and perhaps in alliance with the Communists. It would abandon the policy of bargaining for seats in the Government in favour of one of open competition at the polls. Kuomintang circles were said to welcome the League's intentions as being truly democratic.
The Kwangtung floods were reported to have made half a million people homeless. The need for flood prevention measures, such dredging and afforestation, was stressed.
2. HONG KONG.
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The question of smuggling between Hong Kong and China has been given prominence. The National Times of June 17 describes Hong Kong as a "leak-hole" in China's economy. doubts whether any satisfactory settlement can be reached between Hong Kong and China as to the prevention of smuggling, but is of the opinion that the problem would be resolved by a proper planning of imports and exports on the part of Chinese Government, whereby smuggling would become unnecessary.
Anomalies in China's import and export control regulation, which encouraged smuggling, were mentioned by the Sing Tao Jih Pao.
The Hua Shiang Pao reports being informed by a Macao bank official that arrangements had been made for the free importation of gold into Macao. The legal price of gold in Macao would be HK$250 per tael. The Hua Shiang Pao pleasingly observes that since the black market price in Hong Kong is about HK$280 per tael, and the smuggling fee from Macao to Hong Kong is only HK$2 per tael, a profit of about HK$30 per tael is expected to be made.
/World