In contrast to the peaceful outlook of Chapei was the disturbing rumour widely circulated yesterday afternoon to the effect that a Japanese flag and a chicken had been stolen from a Japanese farm in Sui Tien Road, Chapei. Up to yesterday afternoon, no Japanese report was forthcoming concerning the alleged theft, although the rumour had found its way to the Settlement and Chinese police authorities, A representative of the "North-China Daily News" visited a group of Chinese police stations in Chapei. and fotind that no complaint to the above.effect had been made to the Police by any party. A high oficial of the Police Bureau, who had also heard of the rumour, said to' be emanating from Japanese sources, admitted that an investigation had been launched in this connection.
The official said two Chinese were noted passing the Japanese farm, which occupies about five or six mow of land, on the night of July 20, On being approached by a policeman, they started to run and wei b-sequently arrested. Following a week's investigation, the Police were satisfied that they were innocent. The two men were released yesterday. It was not known whether the widely circulated rumour had any connection with the case.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.