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suddenly we would find that noboly would take it. So for safety, we have secured U.S. 8. 2,500 in the Black Market at about three shillings per dollar. In addition we have laid in three month's reserve of tinned foods. With these precautions we should be able to get through any likely crisis.
At the same time we do not want to run risks. Hence when the scholastics were going to Shanghai for theology and Mr. Martin told me they could get a loan of their living expenses through the Red Cross to be repaid after the war. I told Mr. Marin I was in favour of this. I have recently got a letter saying that may not be possible but that they may be able to have money remitted from Dublin through the Irish Minister in Berlin. I have replied saying we would remit from Hongkong if necessary but we were anxious to retain all our reserves because of the rapid rise of prices in Hongkong, and hints that all property owners, may have to pay a royalty to have their leases renewed by the Nipponese authorities
FUNDS EXPEC ED FROM ROME
...
Extract: "The Regional Seminary is a Separate problem. At the Fall of Hongkong it had no money out of the Bank but fortunately had six weeks. reserve of food...... The position at the moment is that the Seminary is absolutely without funds but help should arrive soon from Rome. Pending that, Bishop Valtoria is supplying money for the food of the seminarians out of Relief Funds and we are aplying for the support of Ours.
3. COMPENSATION TO NEUTRALS CONSID RD IN TOKYO, ITALIAN PROPERTY NOT PAID FOR
Extract: "Now for the present state of houses. Loyola has been completely looted all the woodwork incluing doors, windows and floors is gone. Austin Road is stripped of all school equipment including $1,600 (2100) worth of chemical stuff.... The Seminary was the object of direct shell fire for three days....The chief damage being the destruction of the Chapel sanctuary with high altar and a large hole in the roof at the other end. After being abandoned it was looted. n hour after the surrender Frs. Kelly and Bryne returned but the place was requisitoned next day at 15 minutes notice. Later the Military left without notifying us and it was looted again. We got back
·again for a few months but in early July it was again requisitioned and is at the moment occupied. We saved about two thirds of the library but little else. We asked, as neutrals, for compensation or rent but were informed the matter would be considered later as a general question (even Italian property is
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