Hankow, July 2.
A publicity campaign in connection with the observance of the first anniversary of the Sino-Japanese hostilities on July 7, on which day last year the first shot which started the present war was fired at Lukouchiao, has been launched by the Chinese Government.
The object is to explain to the public that the day represents the beginning of final sacrifices as well as the start of a new chapter in the nation's reconstruction, and to urge the' nation to organize support for the army, comfort for the wounded and help for refugees.
In addition to nationwide memorial meetings the day will witness the presentation of a banner by the Chinese public to General Chiang Kai-shek "for his distinguished services to the nation," and the inauguration throughout the country of a movement for offering gold to the state.
Under a comprehensive programme drawn up by the Government, and which all provinces, cities and villages in China, including those in areas now under Japanese military occupation, are expected to carry out faithfully, all Government and Kuomintang offices, schools and public bodies must hold memorial meetings on July 7 im honour of soldiers and officers killed in action.
In addition, all religious groups are asked to hold prayer meetings and overseas Chinese to hold memorial -services.
All provinces, cities and villages are requested to select proper sites for war memorials honouring the war dead, and to hold the foundation laying ceremony on July 7.
At noon on July 7 people throughout the nation, whether indoors or outdoors, are to remove their hats and stand at attention and observe three minutes' silence.
All amusements are ordered to be suspended for one day, while, only a vegetable diet is to be allowed.
After July 7, it is further laid down, every Chinese passing a war memorial or a foundation of one must remove his hat in salute—
Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.