The following statement concerning the alleged occupation of the Astor House Hotel by Japanese was made last night by Mr. G. Herzl, local secretary of the management of the Hongkong & Shanghai Hotels, Ltd.:—"A rumour to the effect that Japanese troops have taken over the Astor House Hotel is incorrect. Rumours that several hundred Japanese refugees are at the Astor House are also incorrect.
The truth is that the Astor House was evacuated officially on August 14 and is still guarded by the SM.P. Owing to the withdrawal the S.M.P.
ict, after which followed from the Yangtszepoo an acuation of the Japanese civilians, a few Japanese civilians forced entry through a side entrance of the Astor House lobby. I protested energetically on behalf of my company. which British concern, to the Japanese Consul-General, who promised to withdraw the refugees immediately."
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.