CO129-591-20 Reports on current situation 18-10-1945 - 7-11-1945 — Page 7

4.

6

A few figures in table 11 should be compared with prowar figures, published in Mr. S.Y. Lin's report on HongKong Fisheries, copies horowith.

fisherfolk

junk trawlers

large purse seiners

1945

1938

26,257

77,451

260

1,604

23

120

Proportion surviving.

1/3

1/6

1/5

Some of these large vessels may be elsewhere on the China Coast but I suspect they are mostly at the bottom of the sea.

A survey has been made of the junk-building yards at Aberdeen and Shaukiwan. A summary of each is given in tables 111 and 1V respectively. Note the Shaukiwan figures of workmen; 73 now against 472 prewar and Aberdeen 30 against 1,092. The death rate from starvation was very severe. The Japanese also deported many as unemployed poor and confiscated their timber.

A copy of Mr. S.Y. Lin's report on conditions during the Japanese occupation is appended.

I have the honour to be, Sir,

Your obedient servant,

l.better...

G.A.C. Herklots.