THE CHINA MAIL, DECEMBER 16, 1939
DECISIVE DEFEAT
"Nothing More Satisfying," Declares "The Times
GERMAN SHIPPING
UNBREAKABLE
LINE LOSSES CONTROL OF THE
(SPECIAL TO "CHINA MAIL")
NEW YORK, TO-DAY. TWO GERMAN SHIPPING COM- PANIES, THE NORDEUTSCHER LLOYD AND THE AMERIKA LINE, HAVE SUFFERED HUGE LOSSES SINCE THE OUT- BREAK OF WAR.
HIGH SEAS
London, To-day.
HAMBURG DISCUSSING THE VON SPEE action, “The Times" says that while the Royal Navy needs no specta- cular action to show its worth, there is nothing more satisfying than a sea battle which ends in the decisive defeat of the enemy.
This is due to the fact that 40 of their ships are blocked in American ports and 2,800 men, who are idle, continue to draw their salary.
Furthermore, they must purchase supplies and foodstuffs for these ves- sels.
An interesting sidelight on the si- tuation is the polite refusal of the companies of the offer for repatriation by 300 Chinese sailors, who had sign- ed two-year contracts, stating that they prefer to adhere "strictly to the terms of the contracts."-Havas.
SOVIET QUIET ABOUT LEAGUE ACTION
Moscow, To-day.
A stern reminder of the horrors of war is given by the London "Evening News." It has always been the British way, says the paper, to be generous to a beaten foe and there is no doubt that the men of the von Spee fought as well as circumstances allowed.
U. S. TRIBUTES
New York, To-day. The American press and public are full of the success- ful action of the British Navy
News of Soviet Russia's expulsion against the Graf von Spee.
from the League has only been given a brief mention in the Soviet wire- less. Reuter.
The "New York Sun" says that as a result of this action naval experts who
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FINLAND PAYS WAR DEBT
99
WASHINGTON, TO-DAY.
THE FINNISH MINISTER YES- TERDAY HANDED TO MR. HENRY MORGENTHAU, SECRETARY OF
TREASURY, A CHEQUE FOR $234,- LY PAYMENT OF FINLAND'S WAR DEBT TO THE UNITED STATES.
000 AS THE REGULAR HALF-YEAR-
Mr. Morgenthau informed the Minister that in accordance with Pre- sident Roosevelt's instructions the
money would be placed in a separate Congress that it should be used for the benefit of the Finnish people.
account pending a recommendation to
The Minister asked Mr. Mor- genthau to convey Finland's "deep- felt gratitude to the President and people of the United States."
Twelve other debtor nations yester- thought that the Nazi pocket-battle-day conveyed regrets to Mr. Mor- ships were safe from all but a handful (genthau at being unable to make pay- of Allied warships will now. have to ments. Reuter. revise their opinions.
The "New York Daily News" says that the battle shows that the British have an unbreakable con- trol of the seas.
The noted commentator, Mr. Ray- mond Gram Swing, says that the Ger- mans have lost far more than the Bri- tish in relative power, and the battle daring and a capacity for sacrifice. showed that the British have skill,
Reuter.
announce
SOCIAL POSTPONED
We are requested to that, owing to unforeseen circum- stances, the evening social of the Chinese Australasian Association ar- (Sunday) night, is postponed ranged to take place to-morrow
further notice.
THE AMERICAN NEUTRALITY ZONE
MR. CORDELL HULL ANNOUNCES CONSULTATIONS
Washington, To-day.
until
MR. CORDELL HULL, the Secretary of State, reveal- ed yesterday that the Uruguayan Government is assembling the facts regarding the Graf Spee battle for transmission to the President of Panama.
The President of Panama has been acting as liaison between the American Republics since the Pan- American Conference in October.
It is thought this implies that Pan- American consultations will be begun with a view to common action as a result of the battle having taken place
R.A.F. ACTIVE
within the neutrality belt establish- IN NORTH
ed following the Conference.
Mr. Cordell Hull eald it appar. antly Indicated an occasion for collaboration and a conference, as provided in the Conferonco, nou- trality zone resolution,
SEA
London, To-day.
He emphasised that the United The Air Ministry an- States Government would undertakenounces that aircraft of the in all circumstances to meet the other Royal Air Force again patrol-
nations half way. Reuter.
DECLARATION ON SUBJECT LIKELY
(SPECIAL TO “CHINA MAIL")
Washington. To-day.
led German bases on the islands of Borkum, Nordeny and Sylt on Thursday-Friday night and early yesterday morning.
A State Department official told
their Enemy seaplanes lying at Havas yesterday that since the battle moorings were attacked with bombs. between the Graf Spee and the The attack is also mentioned in British cruisers took place within the German official communique, and the "safety zone" as fixed by the Panama Conference, the signatories of the Conference would probably is- sue a declaration on the subject. Havas
there is added confirmation from Den- mark, where residents on islands near German waters heard bomb ex- plosions and anti-aircraft Are.-Reu- ter.