Ichang. Jan, 11.
Although the weather was miser~ able it did not damp the spirit of the local Christmas and New Year festivities, Among many gatherings one of the most enjoyable was the party at the Union Jack Club where the British community entertained the ship's company of H.M.S. Aphis and a guard of Inniskiliings from Siang Tan. From 430 pam, right near midnight the fun was fast and furious, and everyone voted the The Empire Broadcast and the King's Christmas message were clearly heard, but ona relay from Manila, The delay from Shanghai was not heard and it has impossible to hear Daventry direct, For some time past a general clean has been going on in Ichang—roads have been resurfaced, shops and houses whitewashed and redecorated, and all in preparation for the coming of the "representatives of the Army's High Commana.
Instructions have been received to prepare an aerodrome, and for this Work subscriptions of actual cash, man power in Lieu thereat, have been levied on all classes of the people, The reason given is that aeroplanes late to enter largely into the coming operations aguinst the eas in west China. The rst contingent headed by General Ho Ku-kuang arrived here on 33. Fu Yang and proceeded fo West China two days'later by Ming Hsien, Following them was a company of soldiers with machine guns etc. These arrived by s, Kwel Lee, which has been commandeered for carrying troops, and transferred s, Fu Hwa for' the journey Chungking. Thus has materiiized the test move in the campaign to assist the Stechuunese authorities 1n their ght ayainst the Red menace,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.