CO129-579-10 Sino-Japanese War- quarterly reports of Japanese activities 25-1-1939 - 1-2-1940 — Page 22

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new East Asia culture, etc. etc., with a view to "forming a paradise of mutual prosperity for the

Asiatic peoples free from foreign avarice but with no intention of rejecting legitimate activities of

well-meaning third Powers".

Press reports state that Japan is importing rice for

first time since the famine of six years ago.

Eighty seven Hong Kong firms are still importing Japanese goods which average was steady throughout

the year 1939.

Tunizo ABE, managing director of the International

Telecommunications Limited of Tokyo, came with his

chief engineer during the month and his mission appeared

to be connected with the DOMEI NEWS service and local

telegraph offices.

Local Japanese Press reports that General Hiroshi OSHILA, ambassador to Berlin, who was concerned in the

tentative German-Japanese military alliance talks, has

returned to Japan and resigned and a non-military official

succeeded him. It is also reported that a new Japanese

air transport service Shanghai-Taihoku-Canton was opened 1-1-40 in the name of CHINA AVIATION CORPORATION, flying

times leave Shanghai 08.30 hrs. leave Taihoku 11.40 hrs.,

arrive Canton 15.05 hrs.

The Japanese adult population in Hong Kong at the end of 1939 was 498 males and 320 females, total 818 compared with 500 at the end of 1938 and 919 at the

end of 1937.

(sd) A.H. Elston, C.D.I.(S.B.)

Hong Kong, 6th January, 1940.