Chapter 4 October 37 Diary 1

It's sunny today. At 7:45, Dr. Probst took the car of China Airlines to Wuhu, and then flew to Hankou from there.He planned to pick up his family from Hankou to Guilin, where they were escaping the summer heat.He now wants to accompany them back to Shanghai via Nanjing, and then back to Germany from Shanghai. There was an air raid siren from 9:30 to 10:30, but it was a false alarm.Did the Japanese gentlemen remember the protests in Geneva? ?I hope so! The sky is slightly cloudy. An alarm sounded at 8 o'clock but was called off shortly thereafter.There must be something wrong with the signaling device.Engineer Zhou went to Hankou by ship at 9 o'clock.

Letters received include: It was sent by my wife from Tianjin, signed on September 24th; Otto from Erlangen, dated September 9th; From Willy from Binder, dated September 11. Willie's letter brought the news of his father's death on September 11.The bad news makes me sad.What will happen to his family?If only his mother had the right to apply for a pension!This sad news made me realize a truth: in this place that has been bombed heavily, there is no need to worry too much. Whoever fate chooses is whoever it is, whether it is here or in peaceful Germany. Received the following notification from the German embassy:

The weather was overcast and light rain was falling, and no air raids could be expected.Today we can go to the ship "Kutwo" to celebrate the harvest Thanksgiving. Mr. Ribe, who lived with me, returned with news that the power plant management had now decided to carry out repairs to the plant.They hesitated for a while, considering whether to let it go.People thought over and over that the machines salvaged from the previous bombing were so valuable, should they be subjected to another air raid?They all knew that as soon as the power plant's chimneys began to smoke again, there would be another airstrike like this.But, whatever happens, by speeding up the repairs, we first save face, that is, gain prestige.Mr. Ribe is now busy reinstalling turbines No. 2 and No. 3, which had been displaced by the bomb blast during the air raid.

It was said that the highest levels (Mrs. Chiang in particular) didn't like Germany very much because we were allied with Japan against the Soviet Union and refused to attend the Brussels conference, saying we didn't want to sit at the same negotiating table with the Soviet Union.According to legend, Mrs. Jiang said that whoever does not support us is against us.So let's take a look at Germany!Who introduced the anti-aircraft defense system (aircraft artillery unit) that the Chinese are proud of today?It's a German consultant!Who trained the troops here (the trained troops are fighting bravely near Shanghai today, while the untrained troops are crumbling in the north)?It's a German consultant!Who is still sticking to their posts in Nanjing?Is a German consultant and a businessman in Germany! !How many Germans are there in Nanjing today, and have they become "living targets" for the Japanese, or as the embassy counselor Fischer said, "people are like targets"? !

In a letter of greeting from Shanghai sent by Captain Erme on his way home, he was right: "After the long journey (by car to Shanghai) and everything else that happened before, here I am gradually coming to life again! The sound of the bomb going off is far away from me, there may be another bombing in South City, I can still hear it. After the stress of the first 6 weeks, it doesn't feel like a live target anymore, which is true It is extremely liberating! From this point of view, the compatriots who stayed in Nanjing are a very meaningful sacrifice, and the Chinese will never make a correct evaluation of this in their own country!"

Just now I bought 4 boxes at the mall for 80 yuan, and I want to put the 16 diaries I have written in them.Our Chinese engineer, Mr. Zhou, will be back here from Hankou in two weeks.I want to ask him to take them to Shanghai.It must be safer to put them there than here.I'll ask Mr. Drunkhahn to keep it safe for me. Medicines are becoming increasingly scarce.The Natural Pharmacy was badly damaged in the last bombing (bottles were smashed on the shelves) and has closed its doors.This is the only pharmacy that still has 6 vials of insulin.What a fool I was, why didn't I just buy them sooner before the bombing?But I want to save - crap - next time we'll be smarter!I will try to buy 20-30 ampoules from Shanghai, I hope I can do it.Brothers Pharmacy is almost sold out.Nanjing soon ceased to have any pharmacies open for business.I just got 2 bottles of ether and 2 bottles of alcohol in a small pharmacy, and bought a roll of cotton wool for 1.1 yuan. The quality is very poor, and it is usually only worth 20 cents.What about the poor wounded if there were no more bandage materials?People probably don't think of that at all.Trucks of the lightly wounded came here every day, all looking miserable, with dirty bandages and dry mud, as if they had just come from the trenches.I am glad that Dr. Hirschberg is still with us, and so is his family (they are back again, or not quite gone), just on excursions to neighboring places like the embassy staff (this It was entirely under the influence of the US ambassador, they quickly evacuated to a safe place, and later came back).

The sky is overcast - don't worry about an air raid! It was a joy to celebrate Harvest Thanksgiving aboard the Kutwo.To this end, I sent the following articles to the German Far East News and Zhongde News: Reports from the ship Dear readers, dear relatives and friends, you at home and abroad are watching our fate with fear and worry, please read this headline calmly and calmly: Germans Celebrate Harvest Thanksgiving in Nanking. ——Is it in Nanjing? (someone will definitely ask) - yes. ——Is it Nanjing surrounded in the air?Doesn't life there mean long periods of squatting in bomb shelters (pronounced "hero basements")? ? —the people who live there, as one of us said not long ago, are just running around as "human targets," and he's not without reason--yes!It's in Nanjing!Listen, be amazed, so that a heavy stone may fall from your hearts.

Our intimate German newspaper "Far East News" published a telegram on September 21 this year: "...the German embassy is ready to ensure the safety of the 80 German citizens staying in Nanjing..." Lian Those old East Asians shook their wise heads, and a naturally pessimistic Hamburger made a side note to the telegram: "Dude, buddy, don't do that, you'll make no mistakes if you don't do anything will commit a crime.” All skeptics should seek medical treatment.With good intentions, energy and drive, some difficulties can be overcome.This is what our Ambassador Dr. Trautman did, chartering the British steamer "Kutwo" (not Tukwo?) to take the Germans upriver if there was any danger drive away.It is on this very ship that we celebrate Harvest Thanksgiving today.

Excellent non-aeronautical weather today (here should explain to those who don't know: "non-aeronautical weather" means rainy or cloudy, dark weather, and there will be no air raids at this time; on the contrary, "aviation weather" means sunny day, so Japanese people will visit).This is exactly what we hoped for. At 1400 we boarded the ferry that had stopped in Shimonoseki, and it took us 20 minutes to good old Kutwo.This dear "old lady" (built in 1895) who used to take us up and down the Yangtze River was lying there, not smoking at all, enjoying the quiet of Sunday, seemingly unmoved by grief , actually paying close attention to the reports of the Central Radio Station, only the swastika flag on the ship shows its unique role.We took a short tour of the familiar cabins, and even the pickiest old East Asians couldn't fault the neatness and cleanliness of the ship.The hall on the ship with the style of Charlemagne still maintains its original sense of comfort, coffee is already set on the table in the dining room, it silences all those who worry about poor meals, not to mention the one who was driven away from Zhongshan Road The owner of Kisling-Baader's pastry shop (party member Sher) is here, and he can be seen leisurely leaning against the chimney from the water (or is it the ship's railing?).

A few regular guests had been placed on board: the ladies Mrs. Bowman, Mrs. Zimmerman and their daughter, and Miss Kroeger.On behalf of the host, they warmly entertained the guests and achieved success. Our first guests were scattered across the decks chatting. At 14:15, a streamlined motorboat with a swastika flag and the name "Larke" on its belly appeared.Could it be that the command boat of the British flagship was used to send the German ambassador aboard?wrong!It turned out to be nothing but a festively decorated Hürter-Holt telegraph boat, which the owner had entrusted to some daring friends.Let's lift the veil on it: it (Larke) does sail just over a nautical mile per hour, so it doesn't deserve the nickname "Yangtze River Coach". At 15:00, Mr. Ambassador came with other members.The people happily welcomed Mr. Ambassador and accompanied him to visit the whole ship again. The guests were invited to have tea at 5 o'clock in the afternoon with the British captain and his officers.People happily accepted the invitation.It took over an hour for everyone to gather in the dining room for dim sum.The foredeck, with swastika flags and a makeshift podium with decorative bouquets (we were going to give the ladies), turned into a festive venue in the blink of an eye.We emerged in a solemn atmosphere, a small group of loyal men gathered around their leader, the National Socialist Pinkneller.He gave a welcome speech on behalf of the absent Regional Team Leaders and thanked the German Ambassador for his efforts and concern to allow us to celebrate Harvest Thanksgiving in this safe haven.

Mr. Dr. Trautman talked about the reasons for holding the celebration in touching words, and thanked the benevolent fate, which has always protected us from all dangers in a foreign country, and blessed us day and night. There is a big harvest in my hometown.He is especially grateful to the government of our homeland, our venerable Fuehrer, Adolf Hitler, who did not forget us who lived in peril, and who gave us a sanctuary on this ship.On this ship, we can meet all future events in safety and peace.The memorable celebration ended with three cheers to the Führer and Long Live Germany and the National Flag Anthem.It's a scene that none of us here at the meeting will probably forget. After the ceremony of the celebration, the non-ceremonial part, that is, the pleasant party and drinking of Rhine wine, followed.I can swear that no one at the party complained publicly.The public and harsh criticism did not come until we got home. "Everything is fine and pleasant." A guest from Shanghai said, "But you can't sing, "The National Flag Song" sounds like Beethoven's "Funeral March." He was right!It's time we started a singing society here.There is no shortage of time to do this! aviation weather. The alarm sounded at 8:30, and thereafter it was all quiet.We wait for the second signal. Mr. Derenkhahn got me a pair of 18x binoculars in Shanghai.I have long wished for a pair of binoculars.I use it to definitely see things we can't see right now.I can't make out anything without a telescope, and I often can't tell the difference between friend and foe. At 10:30, the alarm was canceled.We did not see the Japanese, it is said that they flew to Wuhu.It was considered a safe place by Europeans. The day is calm.I took back 11,000 yuan from China Central Broadcasting Station, which enriched the cash box in Shanghai again! There was an alarm at 5:30 p.m.We saw 3 Chinese planes flying high above Nanjing.Although their markings cannot be seen clearly, they must be Chinese aircraft, because the antiaircraft artillery squadron did not fire at them.Six Japanese planes came from a distance, and they dropped bombs in the south of the city, apparently heading towards the waterworks.They were followed and attacked by Chinese planes, which machine-gunned and one fell vertically, but did not burn.Nothing was seen after that, but many hums in the air were heard.By this time it was getting dark, and the humming did not stop for a long time. At 6:45 p.m., the alarm went off.The alarm was lifted and we were finally quiet again. Newspapers reported that the air raid on Nanking had achieved nothing—one of the planes involved in the raid had been shot down. How despicable and shameless!An alarm sounded at 12 midnight.Ribe was too tired to get up at all.I dressed in the dark and made my way downstairs because there were too many people (about 30) hiding in my bomb shelter and someone had to look after them so that no more people came to me.After I arranged everything, I threw myself under the mosquito net with my clothes on, and dozed off on the bed until the alarm was finally disarmed at 2 am. At 10:30, the siren sounded again—the first siren followed by the second.There seemed to be many Japanese planes, and there were anti-aircraft guns firing in all directions.My Chinese cheered when a Japanese plane was hit and burned south of the city, or perhaps a little further (outside the city walls).The rest of the Japanese planes turned around and dropped several bombs. At 12:30 the danger passed. At 14:45, the alarm came one after another.The sky was overcast and it was difficult to make out the planes.All the anti-aircraft artillery squadrons opened fire. At 16:00, the enemy disappeared.Bombing is enough for today.I want to be quiet.Dr. Probst called from Guilin. He will arrive in Wuhu with his family on the "Wuhan" ship on Friday. He has a lot of luggage and wants two cars.I decided that I would rather pick him up in person with Mr. Han (Xianglin) in 3 cars, so that he can have a safe journey.He also said that he wanted to go to Shanghai that night.Dr. Probst's last words were barely audible as the sirens sounded again here.At exactly 17:00, there was a rumbling sound in the sky.It could be Chinese, or it could be Japanese.Nothing can be seen outside. The alarm was lifted at 17:30. From 18:00 to 19:00, German Ambassador Trautmann drank tea at my place.We sat together for an hour and discussed the general situation.We're both a little pessimistic.North China has been lost, and there is no way to recover it.But the Chinese seem to regard Shanghai as the main battlefield, because Nanjing wants to use Shanghai as a barrier.But how long will it last? At 20 o'clock, the alarm sounded again!Today seems to be endless.It was gray all around, and Ribe just had time to rush home.After I led many of our Chinese into the air-raid shelter (I don't know if I have found them all, I always feel that there is something groping around in the dark part of the yard), I sat down with Ribe in the dark living room.We both fell asleep immediately, we were really too tired. I could barely wake him up when the "alarm all clear" signal sounded at 21:30.It's a pity that I also feel very uncomfortable. I must have caught a cold.I took an aspirin and felt better. I also sent a telegram to Dr. Probst in Guilin.According to Mr. McKay, the manager of Swire Pacific, his ship "Wuhan" sailed directly to Xiaguan. Why did we go to Wuhu to pick him up?I already have the pass, but I'm not very excited about the 3 car drive to Wuhu.If the car breaks down or is otherwise damaged, there will be no more cars to go to Shanghai, and I hope Dr. Probst will still receive my telegram.There are often many trivial things that make people restless. Newspapers carried news of yet another air attack on Nanking—another Japanese bomber shot down. Peaceful rainy day, finally a quiet day! In cloudy weather, the rain hangs just above our heads.Mr. Han (Xianglin), Dr. Probst's driver and my own driver and I arrived in Wuhu in a total of 3 cars, but it was an empty trip.Dr. Probst's ship went directly to Shimonoseki.He arrived just as we were returning to Nanjing after a 7-hour journey, exhausted and exhausted.Dr. Probst's driver also dropped us on the way because I couldn't keep up with him.A military truck later collided with the car he was driving and damaged Dr. Probst's fine Plymouth sedan badly, but luckily not so badly that it could no longer be used.He also lied to my face that I told him to drive the front alone, which pissed me off.Mrs. Probst has a bad stomach and an ugly complexion. It is not easy for her to go to Shanghai by car.The luggage was repacked and neatly loaded into the car.In the afternoon, we also checked out the ruins of the bombs dropped on Zhongshan Road.Dr. Probst took pictures without being detected (photographing is currently prohibited).In the evening, the whole family set off.Two adults and driver, two kids and an unbelievable amount of luggage, the whole car.I wish them a safe journey and a smooth arrival.The sky is gloomy all day long, so there is no need to worry about air raids, but they must set off before midnight so that they will not arrive until October 10, the Chinese National Day.It is said that the Japanese will attack on this day. In gratitude for my article on the Harvest Thanksgiving in Nanjing, the German Far Eastern News named me an "honorary employee".It's amazing, isn't it? On rainy days, everyone is in a good mood.To refresh myself, on Sunday afternoon (October 10) I went to the ship "Kutwo" for coffee.Only a few people were there.Dr. Rosen from the embassy has also become a regular guest on the ship. I am deeply impressed by the way this man speaks and behaves.He frankly admitted that he was very afraid of bombing and had learned his lesson.He is so frank, not everyone can do it.I also don't like bombing.But retreat to a safe place now, no, I can't make up my mind to do so.If the Japanese warship broke through the blockade of the Yangtze River, went straight to Xiaguan, and bombarded Nanjing with its artillery, then perhaps it should be considered that the "Kutwo" ship should come aboard for a period of recuperation.Because by that time, I think everyone will cry, or in other words, no house in Nanjing is safe.We're not there yet, though, and hopefully we won't be, although today no one knows how things will go. Still a beautiful rainy day! I hope the air-raid shelter will not be softened by water!so busy!I visited various government departments, and there were some annoying things, but they all passed.Mr. Huldemann of the German Far Eastern News has received a letter from me, which he may perhaps publish. The obituary of Mrs. Stretius's death in Tsingtao is now published in the newspaper.I remember that when I passed by Qingdao to visit her on a trip, she asked me to greet her husband, and asked me to tell her husband not to worry about her health.Unfortunately, despite great efforts, the sad news of her death reached her husband, General Stretius, so late that he did not arrive in Tsingtao until a few days after her funeral. The sun is shining brightly, and there will definitely be heavy bombing today.We are ready! Despite the great weather, it was oddly quiet the entire time.Mr. Han and I took a car to the Central Party Headquarters of the Kuomintang, where we received 6,000 yuan, and I thought about converting it into US dollars at the bank.The siren sounded on the way to the central bank, we turned around and made it home safely.The state of alarm lasted from 11:00 to 11:30 in what appeared to be a false alarm.We drove out again and got the dollar check without a hitch.When we were at the Central Party headquarters, a Chinese war film filmed in Shanghai was being shown in the basement there.Mr. Han and I were allowed to watch the film undisturbed, but I caused a small stir among the Chinese soldiers as the only European. At 13:30, the alarm sounded again. At 14:00, the second alarm was issued.Bombs were dropped on the south, north and east of the city, and we saw an air battle in the south of the city.The two sides fought for a few minutes, and a plane was hit and went down, followed by a cloud of brown smoke.We hope that the Chinese have won.The second plane wobbled strangely and went down.Was it hit too?Without a telescope, I can't be sure.Shanghai had promised to give me a pair of binoculars, and now it's time to give them to me. At 15:20 the signal sounded: the alarm was lifted.The danger is over. Dr. Probst and his family happily and safely arrived in Shanghai. Today (October 12) Siemens Electric Corporation celebrates its 90th anniversary in Germany!Could it be that those people in Shanghai forgot or deliberately ignored it?Anyway, no order received here that should be celebrated!Really sorry! From 16:00 to 16:30, a false alarm was issued. Various newspapers reported that a total of 5 Japanese planes were shot down, 2 inside the city and 3 outside the city. Sunny, few clouds.It was a very restless day, but everything happened in the distance. There was an alarm at 8:00, and it was lifted at 8:15.It was a Chinese plane that was mistaken for a Japanese plane en route from Shanghai to Tianjin to bomb Tanggu.From 9:30 to 10:00, from 13:00 to 14:30, and from 16:40 to 17:55, the alarm sounded repeatedly, each with a first and a second signal.We saw a large number of aircraft in the south and north of the city, but did not hear the sound of anti-aircraft guns.Some of the planes circled for several hours, probably Chinese planes on duty preparing to repel the Japanese invaders. Every time the siren sounded, a large number of poor residents (men, women, and children) ran past my house to Mount Wutai, where some larger air-raid shelters had been dug under the hill.It's a disaster.I really don't want to see such a painful scene, let alone women with very small children in their arms.They yelled past here 4 times today. More people came in my own dugout.The German-speaking Held Sen and Mr. Feng of the Shanghai Commercial Savings Bank also moved from their former Daxinggong branch (because most of the staff fled after the last bombing) to Zhongshan Road (near my house).Now whenever the sirens sound, they flee to me.There are also two postmen who often deliver letters to me have also become my regular customers.Soon I shall no longer know where to put them all.I myself have stopped going to the bomb shelters in recent days. Monsieur Ribet came home sick with a bad stomach, I hope it wasn't cholera.God bless!God bless!God bless! Newspapers reported that Chinese planes had raided Japanese warehouses in Tanggu, and that Adolf Hitler was recalling German advisers from China, about which Berlin had no knowledge.The article also pointed out that German military officers are all private and can decide whether to stay or not.Reuters reported from Rome that Italian officials denied reports that the air force adviser would be withdrawn from China. At 7am, the sun was shining brightly, so it was excellent aviation weather!Thankfully, Mr. Ribe is doing well again.He just had indigestion, and went to work happily again today, that is to say, to the Xiaguan Power Plant (this is probably the most dangerous place in Nanjing). At 9:35, the first siren sounded, followed by a second 10 minutes later.There was barely a trace of cloud in the sky.The sun shone down hot like a summer day.We saw a group of Japanese planes flying high above the city, so high that they were often invisible.Anti-aircraft guns fired from all directions.But we feel that the hit rate of shooting is not as good as before.Yeah, we're not experts, but we all criticize and feel like they're either shooting too high or too low.Anyway, no hit. (Even a businessman can judge this!) Frankly, it would be much wiser if, instead of criticizing, we went to the "basement of heroes", to the women and children.Pedestrians had to be very careful because of the many shrapnel clouds in the sky and all kinds of debris flying in all directions. At 10:45, the danger passed, and there was calm until noon. After lunch, I wanted to take a nap for a quarter of an hour, but was woken up by a loud noise from the street.I saw a truck with downed Japanese bombers parked in front of my door.There appeared to be a glitch with the car, but this was quickly ruled out.At this time, every Chinese passing by wanted to peel off a small piece of wreckage from the downed plane as a trophy. At 16:40 the alarm sounded again!The sky clouded up.Several Japanese planes appeared, and they came under heavy anti-aircraft fire, but missed.They then slipped away to the west.Shooting was also fired in the direction of Pukou to the north, as well as near the Central Broadcasting Station to the east. At 17:30, the alarm was lifted.We'll be happy as long as it's not dogfighting and bombing around us. Tonight, around midnight, I received a telegram from Tianjin on October 13 from my wife in reply to my telegram on October 12 about my good health.The wife is very economical, and she only telegraphs me when I ask her by telegram.Letters to and from Tianjin became slower and slower.My wife has not received my letter for 20 days, although I have sent 3 letters so far. All the newspapers were full of news about the Japanese air raid on Nanjing. rainy day.It was quiet in the morning. The siren went off at 1400 and lasted until 1600, the roar of the plane motor was heard continuously, but the plane could not be seen from our yard.Mr. Han (Xianglin) who stayed at home called and said that he heard the sound of bombs falling from his place (in front of the Drum Tower) in the direction of Pukou. Early this morning, I went to Nacoco, whose office is near me (opposite the US embassy).People thought that they would be given special protection near the American embassy, ​​although the waterworks tank was not far away, and sooner or later the waterworks would surely be attacked again.Still, they were not worried about it, as they had built a bomb shelter.It was the first time in my life that I saw a bomb shelter like this, that is, they dug a tunnel into the hill (they lived in a small unassuming house in front of the hill), a full miner's building, Even bricks were laid at the doorway, and a strong door was installed.But I can also give them a good idea, which is to build a sandbag roadblock to protect the cave door from being damaged by the air waves.I think it should have real protective properties if it is still dry.People feel safer with 10 meters of dirt on their heads. The sky is clear.It was strangely quiet for a long time, so I was able to visit the Ministry of Railways, the Ministry of Communications and the Bank of China.After lunch, at 14:30, the alarm was sounded.I saw 3 Japanese planes aloft, took flak fire and then disappeared in the sky.To the south, the bombs rained down and the planes could not be seen. The alarm was disarmed at 15:30, and it was reactivated at 16:30.The weather was perfect, there was not a cloud in the sky, and there were no planes.At sunset, two Chinese planes flew in from the north and landed in the south. The alarm was lifted at 18:30. Just now, I roughly calculated how many times we were attacked by the Japanese last week.According to my calculations, we were bombed only 12 times, and lost 14 hours of work, or about 2 working days. I just received a letter from my wife from Tianjin on October 2 from the German embassy.She wanted to come here very much.How should I answer her?I was surprised to hear that Mrs. Trautmann was on her way down to Nanking, accompanied by Dr. Laugenschlager.The ladies could, of course, live on board the Kutwo, but I don't think that's the right way either.Once the alarm is sounded, the ship will anchor up the river and sail to a safe place. The ladies on the ship will be restless when they know that their husbands and relatives are staying in the city, and they will eventually have to endure all pain. healthy heart.Ladies can't bear it if they stay out of town for a long time like my wife did.Why come to this danger?We are all so happy that our wives are in a safe place! Sunday, what a beautiful day, no clouds and no air raids!Mr. Ribe hadn't seen the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum yet, so I drove there with him.Oh, there will be such things!Bamboo scaffolding was set up on the memorial archway and tomb passage of Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, and the buildings and tombs were covered with oilcloth.Is this to prevent bomb fragments?The same is true at Tan Yan's tomb. The arches, marble columns, stone lions and longevity turtles are all covered with pine branches.Even the ancient Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum no longer allows people to enter.The entire cemetery area is full of military trucks (all empty), ready to go, because there is a Chinese driver in each car, dozing off.That is to say, the Supreme Commander lives somewhere near the Linggu Tower. The Chairman's Mansion in Xiaohongshan has never been lived in, it is painted black from bottom to top, it looks so pitiful! We no longer bother to think about why the Japanese did not come to air strikes today.Maybe they think the weather is too good to be true!Surely such a beautiful sunny Sunday in autumn should not be disturbed!We agree! Just now we heard from our servant that Dr. Schroeder came back from Hankou today. Many people are talking about the Japanese use of poison gas.The Japanese claimed that the Chinese had been found to have used poisonous gas.This must be just an excuse, they want to pre-empt and avoid people's condemnation.According to an article in a newspaper here, the hospital here has confirmed that it has received Chinese soldiers who were poisoned by poison gas.The German issue of the Shanghai Journal, which arrived here today, has an article entitled "Performed Gas Attack on the International Press".The article reported that the Japanese tried their best to accuse the Chinese of using poison gas, but so far they have not been able to find evidence! We all waited with great apprehension for the moment of the gas attack, because the civilian population of Nanking did not have gas masks.Although notices have been issued telling people that they can use masks soaked in vinegar or other liquids to protect themselves from poison gas and other simple methods, these emergency supplies are not enough, and they are not useful in emergency situations. Because it's not really protective at all.So far I have only encountered a few soldiers, policemen and officials in the Central Party headquarters, wearing long metal sleeves, which are said to be gas masks.Private people, that is, ordinary Chinese people, hardly know where to buy this thing.Frankly, I don't know either. According to newspaper reports, 700 civilians in Guangxi were killed or wounded in the latest Japanese air raid. At 7 o'clock, Mr. Aman came.He is a German representative of an American oil company, and often drives his own car back and forth between Shanghai and Nanjing for business matters.Today he personally experienced the bombing of Jiading Railway Station. At that time, the Japanese pilots also noticed him and swooped down to a height of 50 meters, wanting to see him from a close distance.He pulled up the corner of the swastika flag hanging from his car, and stood beside the car, pouting upward, reassuring the pilot that he was European.It takes a little courage to do so.If the Japanese judged wrong, they would use machine guns to shoot.The British Ambassador, Mr. Knutsbury-Hugheson, and a secretary at the British Embassy had not long since been rained upon them and their car.Mr. Ammann stayed until dinner.I want to hear a little news, he is very good at talking.Besides, he had brought a roll of black bread and ham from Madame Ribet, and a large trunk for Dr. Probst to go to Shanghai.He has a problem with this box.He said the suitcase was too big for the car door to fit in.Besides, even if it is new, it is only worth 40 yuan in Shanghai.I had to sweet talk him (Oman, of course) again. The editor Herr Huldemann appointed me as an "honorary employee" in a letter of October 6, 1937. I replied to him, and he published only the last part of the letter in the German Far Eastern News.It's clear from his quote how much he's stuck.What a fine opening he, poor man, cut out.Maybe he's right.This Mr. Huldeman, he really can't publish everything I write, because as an editor he can't touch other people's pain points.But why was the beginning of my letter deleted and only the latter part left?Here is the beginning of that letter: Dear Mr. Huldman: Thank you for your kind letter of October 6.It is your kindness to appoint me as an "honorary employee" of your newspaper.I firmly believe that my untitled business card will look very good with the words "Far Eastern News" (honorary) employee" after the name, not to mention that my British friends attach great importance to business cards with many letters. Will be envious to death.But, my dear Mr. Huldemann, I am afraid that you are asking for trouble.You don't know me at all!And, I worry that you're also underestimating your readers a bit.They profess to be "extremely serious" about it, which I don't mind.我正是有这个可怕的“才能”，多半能在不恰当的时候，以我的所谓幽默让我周围可爱的人高兴一下。 我想在此以我们家人之间的通信方式为例，我的男孩子，20岁，目前正在德国参加青年义务劳动，他在给我的信中写道：“亲爱的父亲！要是你能听到这里收音机里对中国都说些什么（简直令人难以置信！）就好了。报纸的报道还要糟糕，我根本不愿瞟上一眼。此外，我深信你的身体肯定非常好，我决不怀疑！向你致以亲切的问候……”我不会去说什么现在的局势不严峻，目前的局势的确非常严峻，如果有人不承认这一点，那么他的头脑肯定是太简单了。局势不仅严峻，而且会变得更加严峻。那么怎样才能对付目前这种严峻的局势呢？我认为，应当拿出自己的最后一份幽默，对着自己的命运说上一句：“对不起，我就留在这里不走了！”天如果整个塌下来，那么大家都知道，所有的麻雀都会死去；如果是一枚炸弹掉下来，而且正巧掉在一只乌鸦的头上，那么死的则只有乌鸦一个，它再也不会去“呱呱”叫了。但是真要到那个时候，我想，扬子江还是会一如既往地尽情流淌。现在我每日的晨祷和晚祷的祈祷词是这样的：“亲爱的上帝，请你保佑我的家人和我的幽默，剩下来的小事情就由我自己去保佑了。” 现在你们一定想知道我们到这里来是干什么的，目前我们的生活怎么样以及我们是怎样甘于忍受这些轰炸的。 是这样的，我个人是9月初在北戴河休假后，从水路绕道回到这里的，因为我： 1.作为一个德国商行的代表，要在这里代表它的利益。 2.我在这里还有许多放心不下的破旧东西。（尽管有个柏林女士恳切地劝告我：别胡闹！你不该为那些不值50芬尼的破东西操心！） 3.那好吧，我们问心无愧地承认，我想永远做一个负责的人，不忍心在这样的时刻对洋行的职工、佣人及其家属弃之不顾，而是想要全力帮助他们——这本来就是理所当然的！ 对第1点还必须指出，我们十分尊敬的中国客户还想不断向我们订货、签订合同，但必须按照下述条件： 支付条件：（1）签订合同时预付5％。 （2）我们取得战争胜利后4周再支付95％。 供货时间：2个月以内运抵南京，送货上门。 保战争险：没有必要。但如果你们愿意投保，我们同意！ 这当然不行，我得苦口婆心说服客户！ 对第2点还必须说明，那位柏林女士说的是对的。 对第3点来说，首先还要有一个十分安全的防空洞，显然我们并没有。我在这里所见过的防空洞，没有一个是很安全的，但它们看上去全都是防空洞，而这就足够了！ 接下去就是已经刊登出来的内容： 一声长“呜”，三声短“呜” 南京来鸿 我们曾请求一位我们在南京的读者，给我们写一下在南京发生空袭时的情况，作为“一个局外人”的态度如何，德国人在偶然陷入困境后做什么和究竟做了什么。我们随即收到一封长信，现发表如下： 人们是怎样建筑防空洞的？如果他有许多钱，就委托一位中国的防空洞建筑师承办一切（自然，他一窍不通），付给他500元～3000元，建筑师分别按照付款的多少，运来大方木料、厚木板、沙袋、铁轨、陶土水泥管，以及我也不知道是什么的大堆大堆东西，事情就完了。我是自己操办这事的，就是说，我雇用了10名苦力，吩咐他们挖一个深坑（矩形的），一直挖到双脚浸水为止，坑深1.5米时就出现了水。于是，我们在坑底铺一些墙砖和圆木头，然后再铺上地板。地板上必须留一个洞，以便我们能够取到地下水。你们一定听说过怎样降低地下水位？真是简单极了！只要每天放一只桶或是空的食品罐头下去。我们还在墙边竖了几根柱子，支撑住上面的横梁，再把方形厚木板放在上面，然后覆盖泥土，要许多许多泥土和沙，堆成一个约1.5米高的土丘，再把妻子的花盆放在上面，我们称这花盆是伪装，日本飞机就不会识别出下面藏着什么。更使日本人不易察觉的是我们把这个巧妙的地下坑洞建筑在一棵树的底下，树根这时可能就长在它的上面。我们给四周的墙壁蒙上干净的草垫子，开了两个门，一个门供人们进出，一个门专供运送货物。后来还在这两个门外垒了沙袋路障，保护不受炸弹爆炸产生的气浪破坏。 人们都跑到我这个防空洞里来占位子！Why?I have no idea!它有这样的名声：特别牢固。 我在建筑这个“英雄地下室”时，估计最多可坐12个人。但在建筑好以后发现我大大地估计错了。我们共有30个人，坐在那里就像罐头里的沙丁鱼一般。所有这些人是从哪里来的呢？十分简单！我的每个勤杂工都有妻子，有孩子，有父亲、母亲、祖父和祖母，如果他没有孩子，就收养一个！（顺便说一下，多么兴旺的业务！）此外，我还得接纳一个邻居和他的家人。他是一个鞋匠，战前我曾对他发过火，因为他把20％的扣头计算在制鞋价格之中。后来突然发现他是我佣人的一个亲戚，我能怎么办呢？我让他们都进来了。我不能让自己丢脸呀！我在这个地下室里给自己放了一张办公室的椅子，其他人都蹲坐在低矮的小凳子上。我自己理所当然地也得进入这个防空洞，至少在轰炸离得很近而且很厉害的时候是如此。并且，我坐在里面时，孩子们和女人们会由于看见我也可怜巴巴地坐在里面而感到放心。这时我发觉，我在北戴河下决心尽快地赶回来是做得对的。 假如现在我这么写，说我一点也不害怕，那我一定是在撒谎。在防空洞开始剧烈震动时，也有一种感觉悄悄爬上我的心头，类似“哎呀，我们要再见了！”在我的防空洞里有一只家用药箱、手提灯、铲子、十字镐和样凿，但是，坦率地说，当我想到，我们大家有可能都会被埋在这个老鼠洞里时，那些东西并没有给我提供多大的安全感。说真的，是害怕了。可是，为了消除害怕，说几句快活的话，或编造一个笑话，大家跟着笑一笑，炸弹的威力就大大减小了！老实说，只要炸弹没有刚好落到自己的头上，人们逐渐地也习惯了狂轰滥炸。每次轰炸的间隔时，孩子们都迅速地跑出去。这是可以理解的，但你无法想象得出，这时会发生什么事。 夜间轰炸既有弊也有利。第一次警报信号响过几分钟后，电厂拉断了电。领带可以不要，但在这几分钟内我至少必须穿好裤子和皮靴。然后，当我把所有要保护的伙伴安全地藏进地下室后，才可以悄悄地在暗处坐下。继而我经常会摸索着回到我的起居室里去，悄悄地找一张最舒适的椅子，转眼问便睡着了。这是我在孩提时代练就的功夫，那时，只要下雷阵雨，我就常常这么做。 可是（我们的室内生活写得太多了）只要危险一过去，防空洞里的客人们和我之间的家庭式关系自然也就中止了。必须是这样。除去工资以外，必须有一个区别，不至于会失去纪律。 现在再写一点有关这个城市和警报信号的情况： 谁要是在战前即两个月前，熟悉这个重新繁荣起来的南京城的，谁要是在当时，特别是中午时分，观察过市中心繁忙的交通情况的，如果他听说过大约100万～120万居民中至少已有80万人离开了这个城市，那他对现在城里到处是死一般的寂静和几乎空荡荡的街道和广场就不再会感到惊讶了。所有红色的砖瓦屋顶都刷成了黑色，就连整个红砖瓦的住宅区也都刷成了黑颜色。每隔50米～100米就有供行人躲避用的防空洞，有些只是上面堆些土的洞，刚好够一个人爬进去。 所有的电影院、大部分旅馆、绝大部分商店和药房都已关闭。有些小手工业者还在半开着的大门和百叶窗后面悄无声息地干活。 一排排的房子之间，可以看到一些缺口，面积大约有6所～12所房子那么大，这是轰炸造成的破坏。但是事情过后呢，人死了（虽然不是很多，但也够多了），现场清理干净了，于是便几乎不再有人注意这些缺口，事情也就忘记了。 同样也漆成了黑色的公共汽车还在行驶，在中央各部等单位下班时车里挤得满满的，因为政府官员都照样工作，星期天也如此！街上的秩序是无可指摘的。军人、警察和平民纠察队谦和而正确地履行着他们的义务。在两枚炸弹炸开了中山路主干道的碎石路面半个小时后，就已填补了那些坑洞，修复好了路面。修路时交通一点也没有中断。 没有一个外国人（这里的外国人已经不多，德国人约有12名妇女和60名男子）受到过干扰。相反，人们都怀着惊讶的好感注视着我们这些还坚持留在这里的外国人！ 警报突然会响起。以前我们用作报时信号的电器汽笛响起了拉长的“呜——”声，这是第一次信号：警告信号。就是说敌机已经起飞，正在飞往南京途中的某个地方。所有的人都赶快奔跑回家，或者奔向附近的防空洞。住得比较远的人就坐人力车赶到安全的地方去。有幸坐在汽车里的人突然发觉、他们的老式小汽车在和平时期时速还跑不到10里、现在却一下子达到十六七里的速度。当我喜形于色地祝贺我的司机取得这个出色的成绩时，他露出一种调皮而尴尬的脸色。看来是我击中了他的唯一致命弱点。 回到家以后，我就派人在大门两边守着，以检查拥进来的人们。邮局和电报局的公务员受到每个人的欢迎，随时都得安置他们。除此之外，凡是与我的家庭没有关系的人，都拒绝入内：“真对不起，没有地方。请您别见怪，我们没有多余的位子了。” 抱着婴儿的妇女们受到优先照顾，允许她们坐在防空洞的中问，然后才轮到带着较大孩子的妇女，最后是男人。这是我始终顽固坚持的顺序，它使男人们感到无比惊奇。 几个大胆的男人——管家、佣人、司机（他穿着西式服装，必须有相应的举止）以及其他人，还有本人只能暂时留在外面。 第二次信号！一再重复的一长三短的“呜”声，表示敌人正在南京上空。现在全城空荡荡的、一片死寂，无丝毫动静。街道上不时有步行或开着车的哨兵在巡逻，也有城市民众应急队队员。 我们数着敌机的架数，同时为正在追赶它们的中国歼击机感到高兴。在高射炮（防空火炮）开始射击时，肯定有纷纷落下的炮弹碎片，我们便慢慢走近防空洞的入口。轰炸机向下俯冲时，发出巨大的呼啸声，紧接着是100公斤～500公斤炸弹猛烈的爆炸声。当炸弹接连不断地落在不远处时，大家都张大着嘴，一声不吭地坐在防空洞里。我们给孩子们和妇女们在耳朵里塞了棉花团。只要稍一平静，就有“英雄”一个接一个地从地下室里走到外面去，想看看周围的情况。每当有一架敌人的轰炸机被高射炮击中后燃烧着摇摇摆摆地栽下来时，中国人就高兴得热烈鼓掌。只有这个滑稽的、让人琢磨不透的“主人”的表现又一次令人不可思议，他一声不吭地抓抓帽子，喃喃地说：“别吵，死了3个人！”鞋匠嘀咕道：“怎么啦，他们可是想要你的命呀！” 在云层后面，撤退的日机和追击的中国飞机还隆隆地响了好长时间。然后响起了缓和的“呜——”声，警报解除了，危险过去了！大家平静地却是大声地谈论着重去干活。 这段时间确实很有意思！没有谁埋怨无聊。现在已是晚上10时了，警方的戒严时间开始了，街上一切交通都已停止！ 德国学校已不再存在（它已关闭），解聘了教学人员，退掉了校舍。孩子们均已乘飞机离去，去了安全的地方。这是过去的事了！但是不要担心，我们一定会再办起来的！ “老鸹”是已故领事海因里希·科德斯给我起的一个中国外号，意思是“老拉贝”，并无其他含义。