Directory_and_Chronicle_1941 — Page 612

A374

CHUNGKING

In direct exports abroad there was an increase both by air and by parcel post. Musk advanced from 263 hectogrammes valued at $17,480 to 436 hectogrammes valued at $35,513, while the value of medicinal substances increased from $97,442 to $196,204. Ámong coastwise exports, the special features were the increase of cotton yarn, cigarettes, and electrical materials, which were shipped to Hupeh on arrival by highway. Owing to the river traffic with the Lower Yangtze ports being cut off, Szecliwan salt and sugar were shipped in large quantities for con- sumption mostly in Hupeh and Hunan. Shortage of transport accounted for the decrease in bristles and wood oil, which are now controlled by the Central Trust and the China Trade Commission respectively. Only 143 quintals of the former were exported as against 3,389 quintals in 1938, and 8,055 quintals of the latter as compared with 128,870 quintals. For the same reason silk entirely disappeared from the returns.

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It was reported that 243 factories, with over 600,000 tons of materials and machinery, have been successfully removed to Szechwan. In order to ameliorate the shortage of cotton, the Government is endeavouring to increase production through extension work, combating of diseases and insect pests, increased cotton acreage, and distribution of improved seed to farmers. The Provincial Sericulture Improvement Commission is establishing more experimental stations, while a scheme is also under way for the extension of credits to silk merchants. Attempts are also being made to improve the plantation of wood oil trees, while the reclamation of sparsely populated districts on the Szechwan-Yunnan border is being organised for the development of industries and mines and the raising of live stock. As regards mines and minerals, a scientific research party sponsored by the Anglo-Chinese Boxer Indemnity Fund Trustee Board has been organised for scientific and geological study in Szechwan and Sikang

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With the approach of the high-water season in April steamers of deep draught were able to resume their sailings down river. The Chungking harbour was ex- tensively surveyed in the spring of 1939 in order to further the requirements of shipping. Much was done in the field of communications, four new highways-the Szechwan-Sikang, Szechwan-Kansu, and East and West Szechwan-Yunnan highways --being under construction during the year. The building of the Chungking-Chengtu Railway was also pushed forward with redoubled efforts. Much attention was also paid to the improvement of the waterways in Szechwan, such as the Kwanho, Kingshakiang, and Upper Kialingkiang, while, in order to increase the efficiency of junk transportation, 320 junks of newly approved type with a total tonnage of 7,644 tons were built at Chungking during the year.

Besides a network of air lines radiating from Chungking to all important cities in "Free China," the wartime capital is now closely connected with the outside world by three international air routes, the Chungking-Kunming-Hanoi line, the Chung- king-Kunming-Lashio-Rangoon line, and the Chungking-Hami-Alma Ata line. Many improvements were witnessed during the year in telephone, telegrahic, and postal services.

The city of Chungking was subjected to frequent bombings by Japanese planes throughout the year.