Evening star., 1943-11-03
Briines
Continued From First Page J

effort under the present circum-
stances for at least five more years
Outside Japan proper there is
ample evidence that the japanese
are attempting to utilize to the
fullest all the manpower resources
OF their neWly-conquered territories.
1t is diScernible that the Japanese
are anticipating big Allied attack
on Burma and that they are still
keeping a Sizable force in Man
churia to protect the rear against
Russia and probably are maintaining
other key units in the Netherlands
Indies and Malaga.
Aat home, the common mans liv-
Ing costs in Japan have at least
doubled, despite government-pegged
prices, they say, and his menu is
scanty even by comparison with his
common frugality, yet the people
patiently await further hardships,
which they accept as a wartime ne
cessity.
The army is continuing to keep a
tight check rein on both the govern
ment and the country 1t apparently
has sllenced all opposition-even the
big industrialists who were the last
opponents to submit.
Nevertheless, the black market is
rampant and wartime profiteering
is extensive.
Reduced Supplies.
The conmoner faces the winter
with reduced supplies of coal, rice,
f1sh, meat, clothing and other neces-
sites. All the essentials are ra-
toned, but often the supply is in
SUFFICIENT to meet the number of
legitimate ration cards.
The japanese stand in line for
hours to obtain a few vegetables.
Most items are obtainable on the
omnlpresent black market-at 10
times the official price-eXcept rice,
which is rigidly controlled, and coal.
which virtually is unobtainable.
The decreased supplies of fish
probably are due to the shortage of
oil for seagcing fishing craft.
Meat is available three times
month, rice sugar and bread are in
sufhclent and butter, canned goods,
Jam and smoking tobacco are un-
obtainable.
Travellers say the japanese takes
In his belt with customary docility,
attributing these deprivations to the
TACT that the empire has been at
war six years. Food shortages are
partially due to cluttered communl-
cations. Shipping between Japan's
empire ports and even Korea ap-
pears extremely limited and hazard
Gus. Transportation within Japan is
clogged by incessant military de-
mands and civilians must get a gov
ernment permit to ride on trains.
Raw Materials Absorbed.
Wartime necessity also apparently
is absorbing all newly acquired raw
materials, including cotton fiber
and obtainable clothes disintegrate
in three or four washings. Shoes,
when obtainable, cost $50 yen a pair
and are liable to disappear in the
first rain.
tThe yen had prewar value
OF about % centsD
Ration cards for the next two
years were issued recently, with in
creased points for individual items.
Minimum living costs, based on
official prices. have at least doubled
in the last two years, and wages also
have risen, with coolie receiving
10 yen a day in contrast to IL in
1910.
The paper money boom continues
among war factory workers, who
are required to make large war bond
purchases Industrialists apparently
have reaped great profits from war
time production and business activi-
ties abroad, particularly in China.
Patriots, under Government lead
ership, are intensifying efforts to
minimize amusements. but theaters,
beer halls, restaurants and geisha
houses are jammed.
All Japan is geared to the war
effort and the commoners' lives are
dedicated to it. Nearly every man,
woman and child is enrolled in at
least 100 patriotic organizations and
secret jingoistic societies, ranging
from women's welfare groups to
clubs for young men and boys who
learn the rudiments of army drill
and absorb the dogma of Japan's
greatness and invincibility and her
vital role in the holy war" to free
Asia's enslaved millions.
This theme is repeated constantly
In the schools neWSnanPrS movies