F.I.R.No. 3.
- 7-
6.
on which there has been any mention of financial aid to the
repatriates'. The Japanese have been experiencing difficulty in securing co-operation on the part of the Chinese in 'repatriation'.
Registration of Radio Sets: An order issued by the Hongkong
Government authorities on July 9th instructed owners of radio receiving sets to take them to the Broadcasting station for testing and inspection. Those within the 545-200 metre wavelength would be passed and permits issued, while others would be liable to confiscation. (Hongkong News, July 9th). Comment: Similar mo asures were taken by the Japanese in Manchuria in the early stages of the 'China Incident' when it was found that Chinese were listening-in to Chungking. Radio sets were 'doctored' so that when returned to the owner the offending station could not be heard.
ECONOMIC.
7.
order
Hong kong Governor's Order concerning Imports and Exports: An
issued by the Governor of Hongkong on July 9th stipulates that any goods imported into, or exported out of Hongkong must first receive the permission of the Governor. A later order issued on July 17th stated that persons exporting goods to Kwangtung Province would have to fill in six forms, while five were required for other places. Three forms were required for the import of goods into Hongkong. (Hongkong News, July 9th and 17th).
8. Fresh Foods Syndicate to be Established: In an effort to curb
profiteering on daily commodities, the Hongkong government announced on July 25th the projected formation of a Syndicate to control daily supplies of fresh foodstuffs. Supplies of foodstuffs would be bought up wholesale by the syndicate which would then charge a commission on resale to dealers. The foodstuffs would eventually reach the consumer with an estimated approximate increase of only 30% over the original costs. (Hongkong News July 25th). See F.I. R. Hongkong, No. 1, para 4 and No.2, paras 9, 10 and 11 for prices of foodstuffs No.1, in Hongkong.
9.
Firewood Shortage Continues: The Hongkong News continues to
report a serious shortage of firewood in Hongkong. (See F.I.R. Hongkong, No.2, para 12). On July 23rd a columnist writing in the Hongkong News quoted letters he had received which accused Government established firewood depots of giving precedence to Government employees. Depot owners when confronted with this by irate purchasers were said to have stated that they were forced to these measures to avoid being attacked by the governme nt employees. Hongkong News July 23rd).
10. Racing Ponies Slaughtered for Food: The Hongkong News
reported on July 17th that a number of racing ponies which had been condemned as unfit for further racing had been slaughtered for food. This step was taken in order to cut down general overhe ad expenses and to economise on the expenditure on fo cd for the ponies. The cost of maintaining each pony was ¥500 per month while owners were charged only ¥50. The report stated that an expert veterinary surgeon had been brought from Japan and "a lot of money had been spent in trying to make the ponies fit again". Ponies sold to the slaughter house had fetched between ¥50 am ¥100, the money being retained by the Club. Club
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