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4
appeared to be improving and the absence of serious occurrentes
on Saturday morning confirmed my opinion that the populace
were settling down again. For this reason also I considered
that the Police would not require any assistance from the
Military Authorities and would be able to deal with the
situation satisfactorily.
However the report of fresh attacks
on Japanese shops in Johnston, Hennessy and Lockhart Roads (Eastern District) the doors of which were broken open with
large pieces of rock at about 1.30 p.m. made it evident that
further trouble was in the wind. The Japanese from the houses
attacked were evacuated and collected at the Japanese Primary
School which had been converted into a Refugee camp.
attacks were simultaneous and no one was to be seen when the
The
now
Police arrived. It was therefore evident that, whereas up to date the attacks had been spontaneous, organised gangs were at work. I at once got into communication with Government
House and asked that a number of Military units should be
detailed to be ready both in Hong Kong and Kowloon in case they
should be required. H. E. the Governor at once arranged with H.E. the General Officer Commanding that this should be done. Saturday September 26th was a Chinese holiday.
After the
occurrence in the astern District it seemed likely that further
trouble would follow as in fact it did but from an entirely
unexpected quarter
Kowloon.
Victoria remained quiet after
the midday attack in Wanchai until the evening when there was a
slight disturbance in Queen's Road West.
Nothing serious occur-
red in the Central District.
In the West a mob broke some
shop windows (Chinese shops) in Connaught Road West and stoned
the Police, but were dispersed by baton charges.
In the
extreme West at Kennedy Town there were further disorders,
Japanese piece goods being thrown out of shops.
Indian Police Constable was forced to fire in self defence
as a result of which a Chinese was shot in the hand.
the Police soon had the situation in hand.
An
However
What might have
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