The merchants added that they iding by the Chinese Government's exchange rate, which remained constant at the old Agure, while costs were rising,—whereas competitors in the Japanese-occupied areas traded in open market exchange, which was much more favourable.
These competitors, the merchants complained, also had short hauls to the sea coast, which enabled them to underquote interior merchants, who were struggling with very high freight charges, and also with difficulties in the way of delays in the: export of their goods—Reuter, Hankow Relieved Hankow, May 24.
Chinese circles are closely watching developments In Central Europe. Much relief is felt here over reports that there has been a slight easing of the tension in Europe, as it is gener~ ally considered that a general Euro pean war.in its early stages would have, unfavourable consequences, All the European Powers at present, supplying arms and ammunition fo China, it fs felt, would be unable to enatinue doing' so if they were involved in a major war.—Reuter,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.