Many foreign residents, it is understood, were considerably inconyenienced by the temporary closure of the Hungjao Area, but it is understood that the luncheon was arranged: at short notice, and it was essential that the area should be kept closed while a member of the Japanese Imperial Family was visiting there. Starting at 9 o'clock, hundreds of Chinese began to leave the area, and at the time the luncheon was held, there was not a soul to be seen in the vicinity, except for Japanese troops.
Foreigners who were intent on spending the morning golfing or riding, had perforce to postpone their plans, and the Paper Hunt, which was held in the Hungjao area, was delayed for half an hour or so. Residents wishing to return to their homes during this period were for-hidden to do so, and even Japanese were not allowed outside the perimeter until they had some legitimate reason for visiting the Hungjao area.
It is understood that the Prince is to visit Nanking within the next few days.
Rumours were rife yesterday that the reason for the Hungjao area being closed was that there was fighting in the vicinity, and these were strengthened by the fact that firing was heard on the previous night in the neighbourhood. This has become quite commonplace, recently, however, and machine-gun and rifle fire has been heard at intervals during the past few weeks. The visit of Prince Osaka to the Hungjao Headquarters was the sole reason for the area being temporarily closed, it was learned on reliable authority.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.