Destitute refugees in Hangchow, alleged to be led by undesirable elements, were engaging in petty looting and incendiarism, the Japanese spokesman stated yesterday.
Between 150,000 and 160.000 Chinese had taken refuge from the countryside in Hangchow, the spokesman asserted. Fires of incendiary origin had often to be put out in the vicinity of quarters in which Japanese troops were billeted, he asserted.
Canton Cut ON
Hongkong. Dec. 31.
Communication with Canton was disrupted late this afternoon. apparently as a result of a severe Japanese air raid. De! were jacking, however.—Uhited Press. looted and subsequently burned, the officer said.
In fleeing from Tsinan, the troops under General Han Fu-chu, Chairman of the Shantung Provincial Government, took with them thirty trainloads of foodstuffs. he added.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.