SPECIAL To THE "xac EPEATED reports of Japanese forcing able-bodied Chinese to work for them were definitely confirmed yesterday when the "North-China Daily News" learned from the most reliable sources that Japanese Army "press-gangs" had been in operation in the north of the Soochow Creek area, particularly in the Yangtszepoo district, for some time.
These operations take place under cover of darkness, late at night and early in the moming, resulting in large numbers of Chinese being for-elbly taken by the Japanese. Hundreds of workers of the Shanghai Power Ca., Patons and Baldwins, Ltd.. and other industrial concerns in the Yangtsepoo district, have recently asked for permission to remain on the premises during the night, all being afraid to leave after dark.
Four of the "kidnapped" Chinese had managed to escape to relate their experiences. They said that hundreds of coolies, most of them from districts along the railway such as Haining, Shenshih and Kashing, were busy loading supplies on three transports at Jukong Wharf and that hey were afterwards forced on board and sent South with the ships.
"Certain Place" Near Hongkong Several of the "conscripted" work-stated that they had been "arrest. en" in Hangchow, thus couirming the report appearing in the "Shun Pao" that a whole train had been used to bring Chinese from that city and other stations on the way. They were later told that they would be sent to a certain place near Hongkong to take part in construction work for the Japanese Army.
In this connection it is learned that hundreds of Chinese workers of industrial concerns and Chinese servants, working for families residing in the North of the Soochow Creek area, are afraid to appear in the streets efter dark, not only in the Yangtszepoo district, but in Wayside and Hongkew as well since cases of labour "conscription" have been reported from there.
The Yangtszepoo district is like a city of the dead at night, since very few dare to be seen on the streets.
Early yesterday morning, Japanese press-gangs started operating again in Yangtszepoo, stopping motor cars and trucks. Although it is said that a statement said.—United Press.
(Continued on page 2, lod 4 air forces during the successful operating off the African coast,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.