Numerous Chinese-owned houses are being sequestered by the Authorities with the intention of eventually confiscating those belonging to Chi-mese Party members and as some bona-fide civilians have also had their properties sealed, great apprehension is being felt by them, but no doubt is not the intention of the Japanese to create hostility towards their administration here and after due investigation it is hoped that undeserved seals will be removed.
Chungshan Road has been renamed Shantung Road and the five-barred flag along with the Rising Sun is conspicuous along its length. Traffic has increased considerably since the occupation and the Chinese population is no more afraid to be seen on the streets. Many refugees have returned, including foreigners. Military trucks, lorries, buses and a large number of new high-powered American cars all flying the Japanese flag and belonging to the various naval and military departments charge round town with their own conceptions of road rules and proper or improper speeds and it is indeed remarkable that there have been no known serious accidents.
There have been one or two minor so called "incidents" with inebriated soldiery, but nothing serious and the officials here have been so far most civil and friendly towards all foreigners who have come into contact with them.
Telegrams in English are not being accepted at the telegraph office, strange to say, and this is causing great inconvenience to many, The reason for this has not been given.
The water situation here is causing some concern as houses on the higher levels are experiencing a shortage. This is due to the damage to the Peishaho supply which was done by ihe Chinese troops before evacuating and the fact that the thousands of troops now here also must be supplied. The matter, however, is having the attention of Mr. Takahashi, who is also in. charge of the light and power company,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.