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The only postal service operated by criminals was the so-called 'Bandit Post' between Tsaochwang and the Paotzeku Mountains in China during May and June, 1923. On 6 May, bandits forces one hundred and twenty passengers off the Blue Express on the Tientsin-Pukow line and held them hostage in the mountains. The American Red Cross organised a messenger service for letters and parcels to the hostages. Two stamps were prepared locally - a 5cent (erroneously inscribed 50cents) and a 10cent with the inscription PAO TZU KU BANDIT POST. About five hundred stamps were printed and used by both inward and outward services. The service ceased by Jun 13 when the last of the hostages was released.
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