Tsingtap, Dec. 20.
Curfew last night was extended to 10 p.m, but to-night it has been advanced to 6 p.m, Very cold weather prevails, The populace is panic stricken and thousands are fleeing into the interior, by every and any means; those unable to get transport are walking, Jo] planes on reconnoitring trips visit the mill districts two or three times a day, thus increasing the general fear of reprisals, These planes are apparently from warships out Tsingtao and a few residents claim they have seen four or five of these ships with the aid of field glasses.
Those unable to leave here, fear for their lives, Due to widespread rumours, tenants of Japanese-owned houses and those residing near them are moving out as fast as they possibly can, in anticipation of these buildings being burned down. Shops are closed, the native banks have closed temporarily, but the foreign banks are functioning as usual. Coal dealers are demanding $5 per ton for delivery, as cart and wheelbarrow coolies are at a premium, A number of Japanese shops have been looted and it is quite probable that there will be more looting as there are numerous cold, hungry and destitute people who would be only too glad to get a little something for nothing, It is, however, to the credit of the local Administration that during the past four months they have Fkept faith" with the evacuated Japanese, and managed to prevent depredations into their property and but for the continued destructive programme of their moval and military forces elsewhere in China, their property might still have remained intact in Tsingtao, The plant of a Japanese company manufacturing rubber goods was fired this morning and a match factory was also burnt.
No Comment from Japan As no comments regarding these Tsingtao incidents have come over the radio from Japan as yet, it would appear as though the authorities do not consider this serious loss of their cotton mills, good for general home and. outside consumption—these cotton mill interests in Tsihgtao aggregate about $20,000,000, The handling of cargo to and from ships is not possible now, due as mentioned previously to the wharves being incapacitated as a result of the booms placed in the inner harbour, consequently there will be fewer vessels calling here, The Yee Tsoong Tobacco Ca, is at present the haven of refuge for about 5,000 of their factory hands and families, who are being fed und housed. t v by the company until conditions improve in this terrified city. Admiral Shen, the Mayor, is still here in charge of a very difficult situation, The Consular Body has met and decided on what course of action to take in the event of further developments and the foreign warships here at the moment are H.M.S. Suffolk (10,000 ton cruiser), U.SS. Pope (destroyer), U.S.S, Sacramento (despatch ship) with the U.S.S. Marblehead (8,000 ton cruiser) on the way from Shanghai, By Wednesday 22, all foreign schools here will be closed for the Christmas holidays.
Having been informed that looting of Japanese shops was progressing in various parts of the city, Admiral Shen made a personal tour of inspec-lion and immediately issued orders for any persons found looting to be summarily shot, As a consequence, the police and Paoantui shot several persons found helping themselves in Japanese premises and arrested a large number. By this firm and prompt handling of a potentially dangerous situation, which might have spread throughout the city, the Mayor has prevented the whole affair, commencing with the firing of ihe cotton mills, from deteriorating into a wholesale pillage.
Squads of heavily armed police, marines and Paoantui are patrolling the streets and'it seems that the local authorities have no desire to involve the personal property of former Japanese residents, Curfew is from 6 pin. to 7am, Last night a large godown, situated near the Small Harbour and owned by the Santo Kigyo Company, was fired, Japanese planes were quiet to-day, but the whole city looks very deserted.
Prices of Food Increased Prices of all foodstuffs have skyrocketed as the markets are to all intents and purposes closed to business with stall holders having fled, All those able to do so are stocking up a supply in case of a shortage, The U.S.S. Marblehead arrived this 1 morning and it is understood that American residents have been advised 1 io leave if possible and a number of 1 ladies have already booked for 1 Shanghai.
The release of over 600 minor criminals from the local gaols about a week ago, due to the critical conditions here, did not tend towards the peace of mind of local citizens, Though the men were transported to the outskirts of the city and told to keep going it is not likely that they will as the very cold weather and inducement of loot will probably bring not a few of them back.
Catholic Sisters are feeding and housing hundreds of women refugees and children in their schools, which fortunately have broken up for the Christmas holidays. So far the damage to Japanese property has been limited to those places mentioned in these letters and the broad statement heard over the radio that "all Japanese properties have been burned er pillaged," is incorrect. The query everywhere heard, is "what's going to happen and when are the Japanese coming and how?"
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.