According to Chinese reports yesterday the detained Portuguese steamers were forced to fly Japanese flags during their return from the Chekiang coast where they had been stopped by the Japanese. One of them—the s. Liz Pao—had been allowed to proceed to Yangtzepoo to disembark passengers but eight others wore still at Woosung. One passen-wer, it was stated, had been arrested ud the Portuguese Consular authori ies were reported to be negotiate Ing for his release, Stated to be a merchant, the arrested passenger was said (0 have roused suspicion by wearing an old militia uniform. Other passengers in the eight detained vessels were not allowed to fo on shore and at first was feared that they would run short of food but reports circulated yesterday stated that a plentiful supply was being provided by the Japanese authorities. ts were halted by the a thorities "near 'Tinghai last' week and under the escort of Japanese war vessels they returned to Woosung where they were detained, There were about 2,000 passengers on hoard these vessels S.M.P. Barricades
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