THE CHINA MAIL, AUGUST 25, 1939.
THE PACIFIST
POSITION
London, To-day, Mr. George Lansbury, the well-known pacifist, who said he spoke for more than a tiny minority in this country, called attention in the House of Commons debate yesterday to General Smuts' statement, in which the South African leader said there were people who hold that war in Europe would mean the end of the old order of civilisation.
No pacifist, declared Mr. Lansbury, could make a clearer statement on the futility of war than that.
Mr. Lansbury added: "I believe the Prime Minister has done his very utmost to preserve peace." (Loud cheers). Reuter.
RUSSIA RETIRING INTO ISOLATION, OR WHAT? FRENCH CABINET ATTITUDE
Paris, To-day.
WHILE MEN WERE HURRYING to join their units all over France yesterday, the Cabinet under Pre- sident Albert Lebrun unanimously approved new military measures taken by the Premier, M. Edouard Daladier.
According to well-informed circles, members of the Government attached less importance to the text of the German-Soviet pact than to the underlying intentions of the negotiators.
What concerned them most was to discover whether the pact was an excuse for Russia to retire into isolation or a real agreement for collaboration be- tween the countries.
RIBBENTROP HOPES
Moscow, To-day. The conviction that the Ger- man-Soviet pact would "benefl- clally influence Soviet-Japanese relations as well as the German- Japanese friendship," was ex- pressed by Herr von Ribbentrop, the Nazi Foreign Minister, in a statement issued before his de- parture from Moscow after sign. ing the pact.--Reuter.
THE STOCK EXCHANGE
London, To-day.
The London Stock Exchange, following overnight news on the international situation, saw prices marked lower, with dealings only possible by direct negotiations.
At about noon, minimum prices were fixed for gilt-edged securities, giving the whole list a steadier ap- pearance.
Commodities were generally quiet, apart from fair activity in wheat and cotton and, to a lesser extent, in su- gar.
On the foreign exchange mar- ket business was confined to ad- justment of positions, although U.S. dollars wore still demanded against sales of gold.
penny to
Silver advanced a 1/18d on lack of sellers and in
· face of a moderate demand.
Wall Street was easy.--Reuter.
The possibility of formation of national government if the situation worsens is being discussed in Govern- ment circles following the meeting of the Council.
M. Daladier would procede with such a step by appealing for national unity.
Meanwhile, private vehicles are being requisitioned and special trains are running from all ter- mini for reservists. Long-distance telephones have been reserved for official communications.
PARIS EVACUATION Families are evacuating Paris, and aeroplanes and trains to England are' crowded.
The streets nevertheless are calm, and there is no sign of nervousness, but there is clear evidence that the country is standing unanimously be- hind the Government.-Reuter.
FLIGHT FROM FLOOD TO PEIPING
PEIPING, TO-DAY. FLOOD REFUGEES, BOTH CHIN- ESE AND JAPANESE, FROM THE TIENTSIN AREA CONTINUE TO POUR IN AN ENDLESS STREAM
-INTO
PEIPING, MOST HAVING SPENT DAYS MAROONED IN UP- PER FLOORS OR ROOFS BEFORE BEING ABLE TO HIRE BOATS FOR TRANSPORTATION TO THE RAIL-
WAY.
Most of the refugees are arriving with very few or no possessions, and are depending on charity here for their continued existence.
The local authorities are appropriat- ing relief funds in hundreds of thou- sands of dollars, but it appears cer- tain that millions will be needed. Reuter.
The Air Raid Precautions Officer announces that the following have passed as Members of The Despatch 10- Corps-Y. K. Shum, Greene Lee, Li the Che Min, Lam Hong Lal, Lee Hon Wing, Chan Kit Sang, Liang Sin Tol and Ho Sit Fun.
RAILWAY
STRIKE CALLED OFF
London, To-day.. After a two-hour meeting with the Minister of Labour yester. day, the executive of the Asso- ciated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firamon stated that the strike, previously an- nounced, had been definitely call. ed off.-Reuter.
GUERILLA RAID
MISSIONS REVERSE DECISION
Moscow, To-day.
The British and French ́ military missions are ex- pected to leave within 24 hours.
The British mission, under instruc- tions from London, may travel to Helsinki (Finland) and remain there pending developments.
The French mission applied for exit visas on Wednesday evening.
. Some members of the two missions were to leave shortly after midnight this morning, while thes remainder are leaving on Friday morning.- Reuter.
Moscow, To-day. Without explanation, the British and French military missions sud- denly reversed their de- cision to leave Moscow last 1
night.
All officials of the missions would say last night was “The missions might or might not leave to-morrow.'
Reuter.
وو
KEEPING RUSSIA OUT
Koenigsberg, To-day.
The Nazi Foreign Minister, Herr Joachim von Ribben- trop, arrived here from Mos- cow yesterday.
Addressing a Nazi demonstration he said: "The Fuehrer sent me to Mos- cow.
"That no doubt came as a surprise to Germana but we know what the Fuehrer does lo for the best. "Russia was about to be brought into the encirclement front.
The Fuchror acted quickly and has kept Russia out.
Shanghai, To-day. Chinese guerillas raided the Hung- jao Aerodrome early yesterday morn ing.
Several planes were damaged before Japanese reinforcements arriv ed on the scene. The guerillas ex- "We live in serious times but I am changed fire for about 30 minutes and sure that every German will support then retreated.--Our Own Correspon- the Fuehrer whatever happens."-
dent.
Reuter.
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